Power-assisted tissue-aspiration instrument system employing an electronically-controlled air-flow valve assembly within an external instrument controller

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with the inner cannula so that the inner cannula can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the stationary outer cannula mounted to the hand-supportable housing. As the inner cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement. During aspiration of tissue, high-voltage RF power signal supplied to electro-cauterizing electrode structures formed about each reciprocating aspiration aperture to effect hemostasis thereabout. Such hemostasis is achieved by causing protein molecules within aspirated tissue to coagulate in response to the high-voltage RF signal being supplied across the electro-cauterizing electrode. In the preferred embodiments, the amount and rate of such aspiration aperture displacement is controllably adjustable. The cannula assembly is releasably detachable from the hand-holdable housing to facilitate cleaning and sterilization of the cannula assembly and the housing.

RELATED CASES

[0001] The present Application is a Continuation-in-Part of: copendingApplication Ser. No. 09/507,266 filed Feb. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,394,973 B1; which is a Continuation-in-Part of copending applicationSer. No. 08/882,927 filed Jun. 26, 1997, which is a Continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/307,000 filed Sep. 16, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No.5,643,198, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 07/627,240filed Dec. 14, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,535; each said Applicationbeing incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatusfor performing liposuction, and more particularly to a method andapparatus for performing liposuction in a mechanically assisted mannerusing powered expedients.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Suction lipectomy, commonly known as liposuction or lipoxheresis,is a well known surgical procedure used for sculpturing or contouringthe human body to increase the attractiveness of its form. In general,the procedure involves the use of a special type of curet known as acannula, which is operably connected to a vacuum source. The cannula isinserted within a region of fatty tissue where removal thereof isdesired, and the vacuum source suctions the fatty tissue through thesuction aperture in the cannula and carries the aspirated fat away.Removal of fat cells by liposuction creates a desired contour that willretain its form.

[0006] Presently, there are two widely accepted techniques ofliposuction and each may be practiced using a conventional liposuctioncannula. The first and most common method proposed by Yves-Gerard Illouzand described in the paper “Illouz's Technique of Body Contouring byLipolysis” in Vol. 3, No. 3, July 1984 of Clinics in Plastic Surgery,involves making regular tunnels at a depth of at least 1 centimeterunder the skin. According to this method, one or two insertions aremade, with radial excursions of the cannula into the fatty tissue of thepatient. The result is a multitude of concomitant sinuses formed belowthe subcutaneous fatty tissue, leaving intact as far as possible theconnections between the skin and underlying tissue, thereby retainingthe blood vessels, the lymphatics and the nerve endings. The secondmethod is the original liposuction procedure proposed by U. K.Kesselring, described in “Body Contouring with Suction Lipectomy,” inVol. 11, No. 3, July 1984, Clinics in Plastic Surgery. According to thetechnique, an entire layer of regular, deep fat is removed by aspirationthrough the cannula, leaving a smooth, deep surface of the residualpanniculus. The space thus created is then compressed, optimallyfollowed by skin retraction.

[0007] Both of these prior art liposuction techniques require that thesurgeon push and pull the entire cannula back and forth almost twentytimes for each insertion made. Typically, twenty to thirty tunnels aremade. This is necessary to ensure even removal of fat in the targetedregion. During this procedure, the surgeon typically massages the fleshin the area of the aperture in the cannula, while at the same timethrusting the rod in and out of the tunnel. Due to the trauma involvedduring the procedure, the patient's skin turns black and blue forseveral weeks. Due to the physically exacting nature of the procedure,the surgeon typically comes out of an operating room extremely tired andsuffers from muscular fatigue which prevents him from performing, forsome time thereafter, delicate operations involved in ordinary plasticsurgery.

[0008] Recently, the use of a “guided cannula” has been proposed by R.de la Plaza, et al., described in “The Rationalization of LiposuctionToward a Safer and More Accurate Technique,” published in vol. 13,Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 1989. According to the technique, a cannulais used in conjunction with an outer guide sheath through which thecannula can slidably pass while held in place by the handle portion ofthe guide sheath. Once the cannula and its sheath have been introducedinto the fatty tissue, the sheath guide remains in the tunnel and guidessuccessive introductions of the cannula, keeping it in the same tunnel.While the use of this liposuction technique offers some advantages overthe conventional unguided liposuction cannulas, the guided cannulanevertheless suffers from several significant shortcomings anddrawbacks. In particular, the guided cannula requires manually thrustingthe cannula through the guide sleeve repeatedly for each tunnel.Although this is a less physically demanding procedure, the surgeon mustthrust the cannula even more times through each tunnel to achieve thedesired effect and hence is still easily fatigued and prevented fromperforming, for some time thereafter, delicate operations involved inordinary plastic surgery.

[0009] In an attempt to solve the above-described problem, U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,735,605 and 4,775,365 and 4,792,327 to Swartz disclose anassisted lipectomy cannula having an aspiration aperture whicheffectively travels along a portion of the length of the cannula,thereby obviating the necessity of the surgeon to repeatedly push thecannula in and out of the patient's subcutaneous tissue where fattytissue is to be removed. While this assisted lipectomy cannula canoperate on either air or electric power, it nevertheless suffers fromseveral significant shortcomings and drawbacks. In particular, thedevice requires an outer tube with an elongated slot and an inner tubehaving a spiral slot which must be rotated inside the outer tube toeffectuate a traveling aspiration aperture. In addition to the device'soverall construction posing difficulties in assembly, cleaning andsterilization, use with a variety of cannulas and highly effective fataspiration does not appear possible.

[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302 to Cucin, Applicant discloses apowered liposuction instrument which offers significant improvementsover the instruments disclosed in US Letters Patents above. However, thepowered liposuction instrument designs taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302are not without shortcomings and drawbacks. In particular, theseliposuction instrument designs employ a single cannula which is designedto reciprocate relative to the instrument housing by relatively largeamounts (e.g. 1-10 centimeters). When using instruments of this priorart design, it is possible that such large scale movements of thecannula can accidently rupture tissue walls within the patient, causingcomplications which are best avoided by practicing surgeons at allcosts.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a great need in the art for amechanically-assisted lipectomy instrument which overcomes theshortcomings and drawbacks of prior art lipectomy apparatus.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0012] Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide animproved method and apparatus for performing liposuction which assiststhe surgeon in the removal of fat and other subcutaneous tissue (such asbut not restricted to gynecomastia, ______) from surrounding tissue,with increased control, patient-safety, and without promoting physicalfatigue.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide suchapparatus in the form of a hand-holdable liposuction instrument having acannula assembly, in which the location of the aspiration aperture isperiodically displaced as the inner or outer cannula undergoes slidingmovement relative to the hand-holdable housing.

[0014] Another object is to provide such a liposuction instrument inwhich the rate of reciprocation and the amount of excursion of theaspiration aperture, are selectively adjustable by the surgeon duringthe course of operation.

[0015] Another object the present invention is to provide such aliposuction instrument which can be driven by air or electricity.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide such aliposuction instrument, in which the cannula assembly can be simplydetached from the hand-holdable housing for ease of replacement and/orsterilization.

[0017] An even further object of the present invention is to provide animproved method of performing liposuction, in which one of the cannulasof the cannula assembly is automatically reciprocated back and forthrelative to the hand-holdable housing, to permit increased control overthe area of subcutaneous tissue where fatty and other soft tissue is tobe aspirated.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein means are provided alongthe cannula assembly to effecting hemostasis during liposuctionprocedures and the like.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide suchpower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein the hemostasis means isrealized using RF-based electro-cauterization.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein RF-basedelectro-cauterization is carried out by providing electro-cauterizingelectrodes along the cannula assembly and supplying to these electrodes,a RF signal of sufficient power to achieve electro-coagulation and thushemostasis during liposuction procedures.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein the outer cannula isrealized from a non-conductive material and electro-cauterizingelectrode elements are inserted within the aspiration apertures thereofand electrical wiring embedded along the outer cannula and connected toa contact pad embedded within the base portion thereof, and wherein theinner cannula is made from an electrically conductive material whichestablishes electrical contact with contact brushes mounted within thecentral bore of the base portion of the inner cannula.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein RF supply and returnsignals are coupled to the cannula assembly by way of the base portionof the outer cannula.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein RF-basedelectro-cauterization is realized using electrically conductive innerand outer cannulas which are electrically isolated by way of thin Tefloncoatings applied to the outer surface of the inner cannula and/or theinterior surface of the outer cannula.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein ultrasonic energy ofabout 40 kHz is coupled to the inner cannula in order to effect proteincoagulation about the aspiration apertures and thus achieveelectro-cauterization (is hemostasis) during liposuction procedures.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein such ultrasonic energy isproduced by piezoelectric crystals embedded within the base portion ofthe inner cannula and driven by electrical signals having a frequency ofabout 50 kHz.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide such aliposuction instrument, wherein the electrical drive signals aresupplied to the piezoelectric transducers by way of a pair ofelectrically conductive rails embedded within the interior surface ofthe cannula cavity of the hand-holdable housing of the liposuctiondevice.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a way ofcarrying out RF-based cauterization within a cannula assembly, whereinthe operating surgeon is enabled to perform lipolysis by driving thepiezo-electric transducers within the base portion of the inner cannulawith signals in the frequency range of about 20-25 kHz.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide anair-powered tissue-aspiration (e.g., liposuction) instrument system,wherein the powered liposuction instrument has an inner cannula that isautomatically reciprocated within a stationary outer cannula byelectronically controlling the flow of pressurized air streams within adual-port pressurized air cylinder supported within the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein digital electroniccontrol signals are generated within an instrument controller unit andthese control signals are used to generate a pair of pressurized airstreams within the instrument controller which are then supplied toopposite ends of the dual-port pressurized air cylinder within thepowered liposuction instrument.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the rear end of thepowered liposuction instrument has a pressurized air-power supply-lineconnector, an electrical control signal connector, an RF power signalconnector, and a tissue-aspirating tubing port.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the front end of thepowered liposuction instrument supports an electro-cauterizingdual-cannula assembly releasably connected thereto.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the poweredliposuction instrument has a hinged door panel that can be arranged inan open configuration so as to simply install the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly and connect the aspiration tubing thereto.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a hingedspring-biased door panel is provided for controlling the rate ofreciprocation of the inner cannula.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the maximum rate ofcannula reciprocation is achieved when the hinged spring-biased doorpanel is manually depressed its maximum amount.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a dual-portair-cylinder is arranged within a hand-supportable housing, in operableassociation with an inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer,for measuring the instantaneous stroke position of the inner cannuladuring reciprocation operations.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the base portion ofthe inner cannula is releasably locked within the a first recess of thecarriage portion of the inner cannula actuator and wherein the innercannula actuator is mounted to a block that is magnetically coupled tothe piston within the dual-port air cylinder structure, and wherein theslidable wiper of the actuator position sensing transducer is mountedwithin a second recess of the carriage portion of the inner cannulaactuator.

[0037] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a cannulareciprocation stroke control switch is mounted on the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument for operation by the surgeon's thumb, whereasthe cannula reciprocation rate control switch is realized using aflexible potentiometer that is deformed upon the surgeon squeezing aspring-biased hinged door panel provided on the instrument housing.

[0038] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system which comprises: (1) ahand-held air-powered tissue-aspirating instrument adapted for use witha bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and (2) astand-alone control console adapted for (i) receiving a source ofpressurized air from an external air source, and (ii) generating acontrolled stream of pressurized air that is supplied to said hand-heldinstrument, and also for (iii) receiving RF signals generated from anexternal (or internal) RF signal generation and supply module and (iv)supplying the received RF signals to said electrode structures withinthe bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, via saidstand-alone control console, during the use of the system in performingtissue aspiration (e.g. liposuction) procedures.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein an intelligentinstrument controller (i.e. control unit) is used to supply air-power tothe inner cannula reciprocation mechanism within the hand-supportableinstrument, and RF power to its electro-cauterizing cannula assembly,while communicating control signals between the instrument and itsintelligent controller.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein its instrumentcontroller comprises: an user control console having (i) a plurality ofmembrane type switches for selecting a desired cannula stroke lengthdimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement and display andfor enabling and disabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) aplurality of LED indicators for indicating Power ON/OFF functionselection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, (iii) a pair ofLCD-based display panels for displaying graphical (i.e., bar graph)indications of inner cannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) andinner cannula position measured by the cannula position sensor mountedwithin the hand-supportable instrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel fordisplaying measured numerical values for the instantaneous rate ofreciprocation for the inner cannula and the instantaneous stroke lengththereof; and a controller housing mounting a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power-signal/control-signal) connector assembly, as wellas providing an input port for receiving RF power signals generated froman external RF signal source, and an input port for receiving a sourceof pressurized air to drive the powered instrument of the presentinvention.

[0041] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein (i) analogvoltage input signals are generated from within the powered liposuctioninstrument and supplied as analog input voltage signals to theintelligent instrument controller for detection, A/D conversion anddigital signal processing, (ii) digital voltage output control signalsare generated within the intelligent instrument controller and suppliedas output voltage signals to the powered instrument and also theair-control valve assembly within the instrument controller so as togenerate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams that are supplied tothe powered instrument via the multi-port connector assembly, and (iii)an analog control voltage output signal is generated within theintelligent instrument controller and supplied to the control input portof the external RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generate an RFpower signal and to supply the same to the instrument controller forcontrolled delivery to the electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly ofthe powered instrument.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein its instrumentcontroller comprises a digitally-controlled multi-port air-flow controlvalve assembly.

[0043] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein thedigitally-controlled multi-port air-flow control valve assemblycomprises (i) a central air-flow control port for connection to theexternal source of pressurized air, (ii) a left air-flow control portfor connection to the left side of the air-driven cylinder within theinstrument, and (iii) a right air-flow control port for connection tothe right side of the air-driven cylinder within the instrument.

[0044] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein digital outputcontrol voltage signals are provided to electrically-controlledsolenoid-type air-flow control valves embodied within the multi-portairflow control valve assembly, so as to electronically control theoperation of the air-pressure driven inner cannula reciprocationmechanism employed within the powered instrument of the presentinvention.

[0045] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the instrumentcontroller employs a system control program that runs on acustom-designed digital signal processor.

[0046] Another object of the present invention is to provide anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, comprising (i) ahand-supportable air-powered instrument having an electro-cauterizingdual-cannula assembly and a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power/control-signal) connector assembly, and (ii) anintelligent instrument controller designed to (i) receive a pressurizedair flow from an pressurized air source and RF power signals from a RFpower signal generator, both external to said intelligent instrumentcontroller, and to (ii) supply a pair of pressurized air streams and RFpower signals to the hand-supportable instrument during instrumentoperation.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is to provide anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein a multi-coreconnector assembly is provided comprising: (i) a first multi-portconnector adapted for installation in the rear end portion of thepowered instrument housing as well as through the wall of theintelligent instrument controller (as the case may be) and having a pairof pressurized air-flow ports and a multi-pin electrical port forsupporting the communication of RF power signals between the instrumentcontroller and instrument and the communication of electrical controlsignals between the instrument controller and instrument; and (ii) asecond multi-port connector plug mated to the first multi-port connectorand adapted for connection to a multi-core cable structure including apair of air-supply tubes, a pair of RF power signal wires, and a set ofelectrical control signal wires, all of which is encased within aflexible plastic casing.

[0048] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the flexibleaspiration tubing connected to the inner cannula is routed out throughan exit port formed in the side surface of its hand-supportable housing.

[0049] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the air-poweredinstrument employs a curved electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly,in which the curved hollow outer cannula is rigidly constructed whilethe hollow inner cannula is made from a flexible, pliant material suchas resilient medical grade plastic material or the like.

[0050] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the innercannula flexibly adapts to the rigid curved geometry of the outercannula structure during instrument operation.

[0051] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein an improvedbipolar-type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly is provided foruse with the powered instruments.

[0052] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the improvedbipolar-type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly is comprises anelectrically conductive (e.g. metal) outer cannula for releasablymounting within the hand-supportable housing of a powered instrument,and a molded or extruded plastic inner cannula for slidable support withthe outer cannula and reciprocation by the actuator.

[0053] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein thenon-conductive inner cannula has a fine electrically conductive wiremolded within the walls thereof which terminate in an electricallyconductive ring about the aspiration aperture of the inner cannula, forconducting RF power signals from the base portion of the inner cannulato the electrically-conductive ring during powered tissue aspirationoperations.

[0054] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system with an alternativeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, wherein a stream ofirrigation fluid is automatically pumped from the base portion of theouter cannula to the distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluidconduit formed along the surface walls of the outer cannula, andreleased into the interior distal portion of the outer cannula through asmall opening formed therein, for infiltration and irrigation of tissueduring aspiration in order to facilitate pump action.

[0055] Another object of the present invention is to provide anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the innercannula is loaded through an inner cannula loading port provided at therear of the instrument housing, and thereafter snap-fitted into positionwithin recess in the carriage portion of the air-powered actuatorstructure installed therein.

[0056] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein during suchinner cannula loading operations, the outer cannula is first connectedto the front portion of the hand-supportable housing, the actuatorstructure retracted to the rear portion of the hand-supportable housing,and then, the distal portion of the inner cannula is inserted firstthrough the cannula loading port, and then its base portion issnap-fitted within recess in the actuator carriage.

[0057] These and other Objects of the present invention will becomeapparent hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] For a fuller understanding of the objects of the presentinvention, reference is made to the detailed description of theillustrative embodiments which are to be taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

[0059]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention;

[0060]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

[0061]FIG. 1C is an elevated end view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 1A, showing theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly thereof retained within the cannulacavity of its hand-holdable housing, and alternatively with the hingedlyconnected housing cover panel disposed in an open position for removalof the cannula assembly therefrom;

[0062]FIG. 2A is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention installedin the liposuction instrument of FIGS. 1A through 8C, in which theelectrically-conductive inner cannula adapted to freely undergo slidingmovement within the stationary electrically non-conductive outer cannulawhile electro-cauterization is performed about the aspiration aperturesthereof under the control of the surgeon;

[0063]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the distal end of the innercannula shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A;

[0064]FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductiveinner cannula taken along line 2C-2C of FIG. 2B;

[0065]FIG. 2D is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectrically non-conductive outer cannula shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A;

[0066]FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly taken along line 2E-2E of FIG. 2A;

[0067]FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of the cannula base taken alongline 2F-2F of FIG. 2A;

[0068]FIG. 3A is a plan view of a cauterizing electrode of the presentinvention adapted for insertion within the elongated aperture of theelectrically non-conducting outer cannula;

[0069]FIG. 3A1 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode ofthe present invention taken along line 3A1-3A1 of FIG. 3A;

[0070]FIG. 3A2 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode ofthe present invention taken along line 3A2-3A2 of FIG. 3A1;

[0071]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electrically-conductivecollar and brush device of the present invention which inserts with thecentral bore formed in the base portion of the electricallynon-conductive outer cannula of the present invention shown in FIG. 2D;

[0072]FIG. 3B1 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductivecollar and brush device of the present invention taken along line3B1-3B1 of FIG. 3B;

[0073]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of anotherembodiment of the liposuction device of the present invention,illustrating an alternative outer cannula retention means;

[0074]FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the liposuctiondevice of FIG. 4A, illustrating an alternative inner cannula retentionmeans;

[0075]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention, illustrating a means forcontrolling the mount of excursion of the aspiration aperture along thecannula assembly;

[0076]FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention, illustrating the use of apair of gas driven piston-type motors and a mechanically-operated gasflow control device disposed in its first state of operation;

[0077]FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

[0078]FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of themechanically-operated gas flow control device illustrated in FIG. 6A;

[0079]FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the gas flow control deviceof the present invention taken along line 6D-6D of FIG. 6C;

[0080]FIG. 7A is a perspective, partially broken away view of a snap-fittype inner cannula intended for use with the liposuction device of FIG.4A;

[0081]FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula of thepresent invention taken along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A;

[0082]FIG. 8 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a snap-fittype outer cannula intended for use in connection with the liposuctiondevice of FIG. 4A;

[0083]FIG. 9A is a plan cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe liposuction device of the present invention, having a hand-holdablehousing realized in the form of a pistol-shaped structure havingdetachable barrel and handle portions;

[0084]FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional, partially broken away view of theliposuction device of the present invention taken along line 9A-9B ofFIG. 9A, showing the cam mechanism of the present invention;

[0085]FIG. 9C is an elevated cross-sectional view of the liposuctiondevice of the present invention, taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9A,showing the inner cannula disposed at a first position within thecannula cavity of the hand-holdable housing, and the rotary motor andspeed control unit in the handle portion thereof;

[0086]FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the innercannula excursion control means shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C;

[0087]FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 9E-9E of FIG. 9A, showing the rotarydrive wheel of the cam mechanism in operable association with theactuation element which projects through the cannula cavity and isengaged in the slotted base portion of the inner cannula, and alsoshowing in phantom lines the cover panel of the barrel portion disposedin an open configuration permitting insertion or removal of the innerand outer cannulas of the present invention;

[0088]FIG. 9F is an elevated partially broken away rear view of thebarrel portion of the liposuction device taken along line 9F-9F of FIG.9A;

[0089]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another illustrativeembodiment of the liposuction device of the present invention, wherein aliposuction device of the present invention is provided, having adouble-acting air-powered cylinder with a magnetically-coupled actuatorand the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention isinstalled;

[0090]FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air flowcontrol device employed in the liposuction device shown in FIG. 10, inwhich the control valve thereof is mechanically linked to thereciprocating piston contained within the cylinder-style reciprocatorwithin the housing of the liposuction device;

[0091]FIG. 11A is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention installedin the liposuction instrument of FIG. 10, in which theelectrically-conductive inner cannula is adapted to freely undergosliding movement within the stationary electrically non-conductive outercannula while electro-cauterization is performed about the aspirationapertures thereof under the control of the surgeon;

[0092]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the distal end of the innercannula shown in FIG. 11A;

[0093]FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductiveinner cannula taken along line 11C-11C of FIG. 11B;

[0094]FIG. 11D is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectrically non-conductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 11A;

[0095]FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly taken along line 11E-11E of FIG. 11A;

[0096]FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the base portion of theelectrically-conductive inner cannula shown in FIG. 11 showing anelectrical contact pad embedded in the outer surface thereof forconducting the conductive rail embedded in the wall surface of thecannula cavity;

[0097]FIG. 11G is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction instrumenttaken along line 11G-11G of FIG. 10;

[0098]FIG. 12A is a plan view of a cauterizing electrode of the presentinvention adapted for insertion within the elongated aperture of theelectrically non-conducting outer cannula shown in FIG. 11;

[0099]FIG. 12A1 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode ofthe present invention taken along line 12A1-12A1 of FIG. 12A;

[0100]FIG. 12A2 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode ofthe present invention taken along line 12A2-12A2 of FIG. 12A1;

[0101]FIG. 13A is a prospective, harshly broken away view of theelectrically-conductive outer cannula employed in an alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly utilizable in theliposuction device of the present invention with suitable modifications;

[0102]FIG. 13B is a prospective view of a distal end of the innercannula shown in FIG. 13A;

[0103]FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically conductiveinner cannula taken along line FIG. 13C-13C of FIG. 13A;

[0104]FIG. 13D is a prospective harshly broken away view of theelectrically conductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 13A, over which anelectrically insulating coating such as Teflon is applied to theexterior surface thereof;

[0105]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing liposuction instrument of thepresent invention, wherein the reciprocation means is realized using acylinder-style actuator powered by a supply of pressurized air;

[0106]FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airflowcontrol device employed within the liposuction instrument of FIG. 14;

[0107]FIG. 14B is a prospective, harshly broken away view of theelectrically-nonconductive outer cannula employed in alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly utilized in theliposuction instrument of FIG. 14;

[0108]FIG. 14C is a prospective view of a distal end of the innercannula shown in FIG. 14B;

[0109]FIG. 14D is a prospective harshly broken away view of theelectrically nonconductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 14B, over whichan electrically insulating coating such as Teflon is applied to theexterior surface thereof;

[0110]FIG. 14E is a prospective view of the base portion of the innercannula used in the cannula assembly of FIG. 14B, wherein an electricalcontact pad is embedded in the side wall surface thereof of the baseportion for engagement with an electrically conductive rail embeddedwithin the side wall surface of the cannula cavity within theliposuction instrument of FIG. 14;

[0111]FIG. 14F is a cross sectional view of the base portion of theinner cannula taken along line 14F-14F in FIG. 14E, showing a pluralityof piezo-electrical transducers arranged about the lumen of the innercannula for producing and conducting ultrasonic energy signals forpropagation along the length of the inner cannula;

[0112]FIG. 14G is a cross sectional view of the liposuction instrumentof FIG. 14 taken along line 14G-14G of FIG. 14, showing a pair ofdiametrically opposed electrically conductive rails embedded within theinterior wall surfaces of the cannula cavity of the liposuctioninstrument, which establish electrical contact with a pair of electricalcontact pads embedded within the base portion of the inner cannula andare connected to the array piezo-electric transducers mounted about theouter lumen of the inner cannula;

[0113]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention provided with monopolarelectro-cautery electrode structures along the distal portion of asingle cannula assembly;

[0114]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

[0115]FIG. 17 is an elevated end view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 15, showing the monopolarelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly thereof retained within the cannulacavity of its hand-holdable housing, and with the hingedly connectedhousing cover panel disposed in an open position for removal of thecannula assembly therefrom;

[0116]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodimentof the monopolar electro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the presentinvention shown removed from the hand-supportable device of FIG. 15,wherein an electrically-insulative outer coating is applied over anelectrically conductive cannula structure that is electrically connectedto the active lead of a unipolar electro-cautery power supply unit whenthe cannula assembly is installed within the hand-supportable device andthe device is electrically connected to the power supply unit by way ofany electrical cable;

[0117]FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the electrically-conductivecontact element installed in the notch structure of the cannulaassembly, for establishing electrical contact between the cannulaassembly and the power source in the hand-held housing;

[0118]FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of thecannula assembly shown in FIG. 18, taken along line 18B-18B drawntherein;

[0119]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second illustrative embodimentof the monopolar electro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the presentinvention shown removed from the hand-supportable device of FIG. 15,wherein an electrically-conductive cauterizing electrode, in the form ofan eyelet-like structure, is mounted about the perimeter of theaspiration (i.e. suction) aperture in the cannula assembly, andelectrically connected to the active lead of a unipolar electro-cauterypower supply unit when the cannula assembly is installed within thehand-supportable device and the device is electrically connected to thepower supply unit by way of any electrical cable;

[0120]FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another alternative illustrativeembodiment of the air-powered liposuction instrument system of thepresent invention, wherein the automatic reciprocation of the inner andouter cannulas of the powered liposuction instrument is achieved byelectronically controlling the flow of pressurized air streams within adual-port pressurized air cylinder supported within the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument, using digital electronic control signalsgenerated within an instrument controller;

[0121]FIG. 20B is an elevated side view of the powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 20A;

[0122]FIG. 20C is a top view of the powered liposuction instrument shownin FIG. 20A;

[0123]FIG. 20D is an elevated view of the rear end of the poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, showing its pressurized air-powersupply-line connector, its electrical control signal connector, and itsRF power signal connector, and also its vacuum-pressurized aspirationtubing establishing a physically interface with the base portion of theinner cannula through the rear end portion of the air-poweredliposuction instrument;

[0124]FIG. 20F is an elevated view of the front end of the air-poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, showing the electro-cauterizingdual-cannula liposuction assembly of the illustrative embodimentreleasably connected to the front portion of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument;

[0125]FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, taken along line 21A-21A in FIG. 20C;

[0126]FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, taken along line 21B-21B in FIG. 20C;

[0127]FIG. 21C is an elevated side view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, showing its hinged door panel arranged in itsopen configuration with its electro-cauterizing cannula assemblyinstalled within the hand-supportable housing of the instrument, and itsflexible aspiration tubing disconnected from the end of the innercannula (and not shown);

[0128]FIG. 21D is a perspective view of the partially-assembledair-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, shown with itsright-half housing portion removed and its hinged spring-biased doorpanel arranged in its open configuration with its electro-cauterizingcannula assembly installed within the hand-supportable housing of theair-powered liposuction instrument;

[0129]FIG. 21E is a perspective view of the partially-assembledair-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, shown with its left-halfhousing portion, its dual-port air-powered cylinder (i.e. reciprocationmechanism), its cannula reciprocation stroke length control switch, itscannula reciprocation rate control switch, and its electro-cauterizingcannula assembly removed from its hand-supportable housing for purposesof illustration, while its hinged spring-biased door panel is shownarranged in its open configuration;

[0130]FIG. 21F is an elevated cross-sectional view of thepartially-assembled air-powered liposuction instrument shown in FIG.21E, taken along line 21F-21F indicated therein, with its hingedspring-biased door panel shown arranged in its closed configuration atits “zero” cannula rate control position so as to provide thehand-actuatable cannula reciprocation rate control mechanism of thepresent invention;

[0131]FIG. 21G is an elevated cross-sectional view of thepartially-assembled air-powered liposuction instrument shown in FIG.21E, taken along line 21G-21G indicated therein, with its hingedspring-biased door panel shown arranged in its closed configuration atits “maximum” cannula reciprocation rate control position so as toprovide the hand-actuatable cannula reciprocation rate control mechanismof the present invention;

[0132]FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the left-half (LH) portion ofthe hand-supportable housing employed by the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 20A;

[0133]FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the right-half (RH) portion ofthe hand-supportable housing employed by the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 20A;

[0134]FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the dual-port air-cylinderdriven inner cannula reciprocation subassembly arranged in associationwith its inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer, shownremoved from the hand-supportable housing structure of the poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, and with the base portion of theinner cannula locked within the carriage portion of the inner cannulaactuator along with its actuator position sensing transducer;

[0135]FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the inner cannula actuatoremployed in the inner cannula reciprocation subassembly shown in FIG.23A;

[0136]FIG. 23C is a perspective view of the electrical subassemblyemployed in the air-powered liposuction instrument, shown removed fromits hand-supportable housing and comprising its inner actuator positionsensing transducer (removed from the carriage portion of the innercannula reciprocation subassembly), its cannula reciprocation strokecontrol switch (i.e. slidable potentiometer), its cannula reciprocationrate control switch (i.e. flexible potentiometer), its electricalconnector and its electrical wiring harness;

[0137]FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly used in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG.20A;

[0138]FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly shown in FIG. 24A, taken along line 24B-24B indicatedtherein;

[0139]FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly in FIG. 24A, taken along line 24C-24C indicatedtherein;

[0140]FIG. 25A is an elevated side view of the outer cannula componentused in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

[0141]FIG. 25B is a first cross-sectional view of the outer cannulacomponent used in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

[0142]FIG. 25C is a second cross-sectional view of the outer cannulacomponent used in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

[0143]FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula shown inFIG. 25A, taken along line 25D-25D indicated therein;

[0144]FIG. 26A is an elevated side view of the inner cannula componentused in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

[0145]FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula componentused in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, taken alongline 26B-26B indicated in FIG. 26A;

[0146]FIG. 26C is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula shown inFIG. 26A, taken along line 26C-26C indicated therein;

[0147]FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the intelligent instrumentcontroller (i.e. control unit) of the present invention used inconjunction with the air-powered liposuction instruments illustrated inFIGS. 20A, 35A, and 40A, wherein the instrument controller is showncomprising a number of components, namely: (1) a user control consolehaving (i) four membrane type switches for selecting a desired cannulastroke length dimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement anddisplay and for enabling and disabling electro-cautery functionselection, (ii) six LED indicators for indicating power ON/OFF functionselection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, (iii) a pair ofLCD-based display panels for displaying (bar graph indications of innercannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) and inner cannula strokeposition measured by the cannula position sensor mounted within thehand-supportable liposuction instrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel fordisplaying measured numerical values for the instantaneous rate ofreciprocation for the inner cannula and the instantaneous stroke lengththereof, and (2) a compact housing mounting the multi-core connectorassembly of the present invention, as well as an input port forreceiving RF power signals generated from an external RF signal sourceand an input port for receiving a source of pressurized air to drive theair-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention;

[0148]FIG. 27B is a graphical representation of the user control consoleportion of the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 27A;

[0149]FIG. 27C a schematic representation of an exemplary layout of thecomponents comprising the instrument controller of FIGS. 27A and 27B,and showing the various electrical and mechanical ports supportedtherewithin;

[0150]FIG. 28A is a hybrid electrical and mechanical schematicrepresentation of the air-powered liposuction instrument systems ofFIGS. 20A and 35A, showing (i) analog voltage input signals beinggenerated from within the powered liposuction instrument and supplied asanalog input voltage signals to the instrument controller of FIG. 27Afor detection, A/D conversion and digital signal processing, (ii)digital voltage output control signals generated within the instrumentcontroller and supplied as output voltage signals to (a) the air-poweredliposuction instrument and also the air-control valve assembly withinthe instrument controller to generate the pair of pressurized air-supplystreams that are supplied to the liposuction instrument via themulti-port connector assembly, and (iii) an analog control voltageoutput signal generated within the instrument controller and supplied tothe control input port of the external RF signal source (i.e. generator)to generate an RF power signal and to supply the same to the instrumentcontroller for controlled delivery to the air-powered liposuctioninstrument;

[0151]FIG. 28B is the schematic layout of the components used on aprototype circuit board to implement the power console board within theinstrument controller schematically described in FIG. 30A;

[0152]FIGS. 29A and 29B, taken together, set forth an electricalschematic diagram of the analog and digital circuitry realized on thesole PC board shown in FIG. 28B and mounted within housing of theinstrument controller shown in FIG. 27A and 27B and schematicallydescribed in FIG. 28A;

[0153]FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of the digitally-controlledmulti-port air-flow control valve assembly employed in the instrumentcontroller of FIGS. 27A and 27B, illustrating its central air-flowcontrol port being connected to the external source of pressurized air,its left air-flow control port being connected to the left side of theair-driven cylinder within the liposuction instrument via the multi-corecable structure of the present invention, and its right air-flow controlport being connected to the right side of the air-driven cylinder withinthe liposuction instrument via the multi-core cable structure of thepresent invention, whereas digital output control voltage signals OP(8)through OP(11) are provided to the electrically-controlled valvesolenoids, as shown, to electronically control the operation of theair-pressure driven inner cannula reciprocation mechanism employedwithin the powered liposuction instruments shown in FIGS. 27A through28H;

[0154]FIG. 31A through 31E, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the primary thread program entitledRECIPROCATE to run on the custom-designed processor employed within theintelligent instrument controller schematically illustrated in FIG. 28Aand shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B;

[0155]FIG. 32A through 32C, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the secondary thread program calledANALOG to run on the custom-designed processor employed within theintelligent instrument controller shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, and calledby the primary program entitled RECIPROCATE;

[0156]FIG. 33A through 33C, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the tertiary thread program called SCALEto run on the custom-designed processor employed within the intelligentinstrument controller shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, also called by theprimary program entitled RECIPROCATE;

[0157]FIG. 34 is a high-level flow chart of a electro-cauteryenable/disable control process carried out by the control programperformed collectively by the programs RECICPROCATE, ANALOG and SCALEillustrated in FIGS. 31A through 33C;

[0158]FIG. 35A is a perspective view on yet another illustrativeembodiment of the air-powered liposuction instrument system of thepresent invention comprising (i) a hand-supportable air-poweredliposuction instrument having an electro-cauterizing dual-cannulaassembly and a multi-core (air-supply/RF-power/control-signal) connectorassembly, and (ii) an intelligent instrument controller designed toreceive pressurized air flows from an pressurized air source and RFpower signals from a RF power signal generator, both external to saidintelligent instrument controller;

[0159]FIG. 35B is a perspective, partially cut-away view of thehand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 35A, shownwith its hinged cover panel arranged in its open configuration revealingits inner cannula installed within the actuator carriage assembly andconnected to a section of flexible aspirating tubing that is ultimatelyconnected to a vacuum-pressured aspiration pump subsystem (not shown);

[0160]FIG. 35C is a cross-sectional, partially cut-away view of thehand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 35A, takenalong line 35C-35C indicated therein, illustrating how the flexibleaspirating tube passes through the rear portion of the air-poweredliposuction instrument and is permitted to reciprocate with the movementof the inner cannula during instrument operation;

[0161]FIG. 36A is a perspective view of the multi-core cableconstruction of the present invention employed in the air-poweredliposuction instrument shown in FIG. 35A, shown removed from thehand-supportable instrument and instrument controller, neatly coiled upto reveal the connectors mounted on each end of the cable construction,and arranged for display in relation to a pair of matched multi-portconnectors employed therein, wherein one of these connectors is adaptedfor installation within the air-powered liposuction instrument, whereasthe other connector is adapted for installation through the housing ofthe intelligent instrument controller of the present invention;

[0162]FIG. 36B is a perspective view of the multi-port connectorassembly of the present invention employed in the multi-core cablestructure of FIG. 35A, showing (i) its first multi-port connectoradapted for installation in the rear end portion of the poweredliposuction instrument housing as well as through the wall of theintelligent instrument controller (as the case may be) and having a pairof pressurized air-flow ports, and one multi-pin electrical port forsupporting the communication of RF power signals between the instrumentcontroller and liposuction instrument and the communication ofelectrical control signals between the instrument controller andliposuction instrument shown in FIG. 27A, and (ii) its second multi-portconnector mated to the first multi-port connector and adapted forconnection to the multi-core cable structure of the present inventioncomprising a pair of air-supply tubes, a pair of RF power signal wires,and a set of electrical control signal wires, all of which is encasedwithin a flexible plastic casing, as shown;

[0163]FIG. 36C is an alternative perspective view of the multi-portconnector assembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 36B;

[0164]FIG. 36D is a perspective view of the first multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of FIG. 35A, viewed fromthe side which connects to air tubing and electrical wiring containedwithin the hand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument (orwithin the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 37A, as thecase may be);

[0165]FIG. 36E is a perspective view of the first multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of FIG. 35A, viewed fromthe side which connects to the second multi-port connector of theassembly of FIG. 35A;

[0166]FIG. 36F is a perspective view of the second multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of the present invention,viewed from the side which connects to the first multi-port connectorshown in FIG. 36E;

[0167]FIG. 36G is a perspective view of the second multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of the present invention,viewed from the side which connects to the air tubing and electricalwiring contained within the flexible multi-core cable structure of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 36A;

[0168]FIG. 36H is a perspective view of one end portion of the completedassembled flexible multi-port cable structure of the present invention,shown in FIG. 36A, showing a plastic shroud covering the portion of thecable structure where the tubing and wiring is joined to the secondmulti-port connector thereof, to seal off these connection interfacesfrom dirt, and other forms of debris;

[0169]FIG. 37A is a perspective view of the intelligent instrumentcontroller (i.e. control unit) of the present invention used inconjunction with the powered liposuction instrument illustrated in FIG.35A, shown comprising: (1) a user control console having (i) fourmembrane type switches for selecting a desired cannula stroke lengthdimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement and display andfor enabling and disabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) sixLED indicators for indicating power ON/OFF function selection, cannulastroke length dimension selection, and electro-cautery enable/disablefunction selection, (iii) a pair of LCD-based display panels fordisplaying (bar graph indications of inner cannula reciprocation rate(in cycles/sec) and inner cannula position measured by the cannulaposition sensor mounted within the hand-supportable liposuctioninstrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel for displaying measured numericalvalues for the instantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannulaand the instantaneous stroke length thereof, and (2) a compact housingmounting a multi-port connector assembly shown in FIG. 36B, as well asan input port for receiving RF power signals generated from an externalRF signal source, and an input port for receiving a source ofpressurized air to drive the powered liposuction instrument of thepresent invention;

[0170]FIG. 37B is a graphical representation of the user control consoleportion of the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 27A;

[0171]FIG. 38 is a hybrid electrical and mechanical schematicrepresentation of the air-powered liposuction instrument systems ofFIGS. 20A and 35A, showing (i) analog voltage input signals beinggenerated from within the air-powered liposuction instrument andsupplied as analog input voltage signals to the instrument controllerfor detection, A/D conversion and digital signal processing, (ii)digital voltage output control signals being generated within theinstrument controller and supplied as output voltage signals to (a) theair-powered liposuction instrument via the multi-core cable structureand multi-port connector assembly of the present invention as well as tothe air-control valve assembly within the instrument controller togenerate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams that are supplied tothe liposuction instrument via the multi-port connector assembly, and(iii) an analog control voltage output signal being generated within theinstrument controller and supplied to the control input port of theexternal RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generate an RF powersignal and to supply the same to the instrument controller forcontrolled delivery to the air-powered liposuction instrument via themulti-core cable structure and the multi-port connector assembly of thepresent invention;

[0172]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of yet another illustrativeembodiment of the air-powered liposuction instrument of the presentinvention, wherein the flexible aspiration tubing connected to the innercannula is routed out through an exit port formed in the side surface ofthe rear portion of its hand-supportable housing;

[0173]FIG. 40A is an elevated side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe air-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention,employing a curved bi-polar type electro-cauterizing dual cannulaassembly, wherein the curved hollow outer cannula is rigidly constructedwhile the hollow inner cannula is made from a flexible material such asresilient medical grade plastic material or the like;

[0174]FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 38A, taken along line 38B-38B indicatedtherein, showing how that the inner cannula flexibly adapts to the rigidcurved geometry of the outer cannula structure during inner cannulareciprocation operations;

[0175]FIG. 41A is a schematic representation of an alternativebipolar-type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use with thepowered liposuction instruments of the present invention, showncomprising an electrically conductive (e.g. metal) outer cannula forreleasably mounting within the hand-supportable housing of a poweredliposuction instrument, and a molded or extruded plastic inner cannulafor slidable support with the outer cannula and reciprocation by thepowered actuator, and wherein the plastic (non-conductive) inner cannulahas a fine electrically conductive wire molded within the walls thereofwhich terminate in an electrically conductive ring about the aspirationaperture of the inner cannula, for conducting RF power signals from thebase portion of the inner cannula to the electrically-conductive ringduring powered liposuction and other tissue aspiration operations;

[0176]FIG. 41B is a schematic representation of an inner cannulastructure for use with the bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannulaassembly shown in FIG. 41A;

[0177]FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of an alternative bi-polartype electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use in the poweredliposuction instruments of the present invention, wherein a stream ofirrigation fluid is pumped from the base portion of the outer cannula tothe distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluid conduit formedalong the surface walls of the outer cannula, and released into theinterior distal portion of the outer cannula through a small openingformed therein, so as to infiltrate and irrigate tissue duringaspiration operations;

[0178]FIG. 43A is a schematic diagram of an alternate design for anelectro-cauterizing powered liposuction instrument of the presentinvention, wherein the inner cannula is loaded through an inner cannulaloading port provided at the rear of the instrument housing andsnap-fitted into position within the carriage portion of the air-poweredactuator structure installed therein; and

[0179]FIG. 43B is a schematic diagram of the base portion of the innercannula designed for use with the rear-loading instrument design shownin FIG. 43A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0180] With reference to FIGS. 1A through 3D, the first embodiment willbe described. In general, liposuction device 1A comprises hand-holdablehousing 2, a detachable electro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3 havinginner and outer cannulas 4 and 5, and a reciprocation means 6 forcausing inner cannula 4 to reciprocate relative to outer cannula 5,which is stationarily disposed with respect to housing 2. Thisarrangement effectuates periodic displacement of the general location ofaspiration along the cannula assembly through the reciprocating movementof inner cannula 4 while permitting electro-cauterization of aspiratedtissue during operation of the liposuction device.

[0181] As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 1B, and 2A through 2E,the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3 of the present inventioncomprises an electrically-conductive inner cannula 4 and an electricallynon-conductive outer cannula 5, each comprising hollow inner and outertubes with distal and proximal ends 4A, 4B and 5A, 5B, respectively.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the outer cannula 5 comprises ahollow outer tube having a distal end 5A and a proximal end 5B. Fourouter aspiration (i.e., suction) apertures generally indicated byreference numerals 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are provided on the distal end ofthe inner cannula. As shown, elongated apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8Dterminate at a predetermined distance away from outer cannula tip 5C,which is essentially blunt for purposes of safety. In general, thelength of each of these elongated outer apertures is substantiallylonger than the longitudinal extent of each respective inner aperture.In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of these lengths is about 1 to4; however, in other embodiments, this ration may differ as desired orrequired in a given application. In a typical embodiment, the length ofthese elongated outer apertures would be within the range of, forexample, two to six inches, commensurate with the amount of displacementto be achieved by each inner aperture.

[0183] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, an outer cannula base 17 extends fromthe proximal end of outer tube 5. The outer cannula base 17 comprising acylindrical structure having a central bore 18, through which distal tip4C and body of inner cannula 4 can freely pass. The outer cannula base17 of the illustrative embodiment includes a flanged portion 19 whichfits within an annular recess 18 formed in cannula cavity 20 of thehand-holdable housing.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 2B, an inner cannula base 10 extends from theproximal end of inner tube 4. As shown, the inner cannula base 10comprises a cylindrical structure having an outlet port 11 formed in itsremote end. The inner cannula base 10 of the illustrative embodimentincludes a notch or slot 12 formed in its central most portion. As willbe described in greater detail hereinafter, notch 12 functions toreleasably receive an extensional portion 13 of actuation element 37, inorder to actuate reciprocation of inner cannula 4 within housing 2. Asillustrated in FIG. 2B, inner cannula 4 has a continuous passageway 14which extends from inner aspiration opening 9 to outlet port 11. Asshown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the inner aspiration apertures originatebetween the distal tip portion 4C. As shown, elongated apertures 16A,16B, 16C and 16D terminate at a predetermined distance away from outercannula tip 5C, which is essentially blunt for purposes of safety. Ingeneral, the length of each of these elongated inner apertures issubstantially longer than the longitudinal extent of each respectiveouter aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of theselengths is about 1 to 4; however, in other embodiments, this ratio maydiffer as desired or required in a given application. In a typicalembodiment, the length of these elongated apertures would be within therange of, for example, two to six inches, commensurate with the amountof displacement to be achieved by each outer aperture with itselectro-cauterizing element.

[0185] While not shown, a conventional vacuum source is connected tooutlet port 11, preferably using optically transparent, semi-flexibletubing 15. With this arrangement, fatty tissue, aspirated fat tissue canbe suctioned through apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D and opening 9 andtransported along passageway 14 to a reservoir device (not shown),operably associated with the vacuum source.

[0186] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2E, electrically-conductivecauterizing electrodes 160A, 160B, 160C and 160D are inserted about theperimeter of outer aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D,respectively, and fastened thereto by snap-fitting, adhesive or likemeans. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3A1 and 3A2, each electrically-conductiveelectrode comprises: a sidewall portion 161 which circumferentiallyextends about the perimeter of the respective aperture formed in theouter cannula; an opening 162 for permitting aspirated tissue and fatand the like to flow therethrough into the interior of the innercannula; and a circumferential flange 163 substantially perpendicular tosidewall portion 161 and adapted to fit within a recessed groove 164extending about the upper outer surface of the respective outeraspiration aperture formed in the electrically non-conductive outercannula. In the illustrative embodiments, cauterizing electrodes 160Athrough 160D are made from stainless steel, brass, gold or any otherelectrically-conductive material that is suitable for contact with humantissue during liposuction and like surgical procedures.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 2D, the base portion of the outer cannula isprovided with a pair of spaced apart recesses 165A and 156B forreceiving and securing a first and second electrically-conductivecontact pads 166A and 166B, respectively. A first groove 167 is formedwithin the outer surface of the outer cannula 5 and base portion 19 inorder to receive a first length of electrical wiring 168 whichestablishes electrical contact between the set of cauterizing electrodes160A through 160D and an electrically-conductive contact pad 166B.Similarly, a second groove 169 is formed within the outer surface of theouter cannula and base portion 19 in order to receive a second length ofelectrical wiring 170 which establishes electrical contact between theset of cauterizing electrodes 160A through 160D and secondelectrically-conductive contact pad 166A. A sealing material such asmelted plastic can be used to close off the grooves 167 and 169 once theelectrical wiring has been recessed within the groove. Alternatively, athin, outer plastic cannula sleeve having an inner diameter slightlygreater than the outer diameter of outer cannula 5 can be slid thereoverand secured to the base portion thereof 19 using screw-threads, snap-fitfastening, ultrasonic-welding, adhesive or the like. When completelyassembled, electrically-isolated contact pads 166A and 166B are mountedwithin the side walls surface of the base portion 1, as shown in FIG.2A. It is understood, however, that contact elements 166A and 166B canbe mounted elsewhere in the base portion of the outer cannula.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 2A, an electrically-conductive collar and brushdevice 17 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3B1 is inserted within the central boreformed in the base portion 19 of the electrically non-conductive outercannula. The collar and brush device 171 comprises a cylindrical tube172 made from electrically-conductive material (e.g., stainless steel)having an outer diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of thecentral bore formed through the base portion of the inner cannula. Asshown in FIGS. 3B and 3B1, a pair of diametrically-opposed leaf-likeelectrical contact elements 173A and 173B project inwardly from thecylindrical walls of the device towards it s axial center. As best shownin FIG. 2F, the function of electrical contact elements 173A and 173B isto establish electrical contact between second contact pad 166A (on baseportion 10) and electrically conductive inner cannula 4 when the innercannula is slid through the central bore 18 of the outer cannula, asshown in FIG. 2A. A small annular flange 174 is formed on one end of thecylinder 172 to delimit the depth of its insertion.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 2E, the sidewall portion 161 of each cauterizingelectrode 160A through 160D is of sufficient width (w_(g)) to provide agap region 175 between (i) the electrically-conductive inner cannula 4adjacent the electrode and (ii) the sidewall portion 161 thereof.Preferably, the width of each gap 175 is selected so as to minimizeelectrical arcing (i.e., sparking) between each electrode 160 and theelectrically conductive inner cannula 4 when an RF signal of, forexample, about 5000 kHz at 800 Volts is applied thereacross duringelectro-cauterization.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 1B, contact pads 166A and 166B establishelectrical contact with conductive elements 176A and 176B and areembedded within recess 17. Electrically conductive elements 176A and176B are connected to the RF supply and RF return signal terminals 177Aand 177B, respectively, of bipolar RF signal generator 178. In thepreferred embodiment, RF bipolar signal generator 178 is realized as theInstant Response™ Electrosurgical Generator (Model Force FX) byValleyLab International, a subsidiary of Pfizer. Inc. ThisElectrosurgical Generator can be easily connected to theelectro-cauterizing electrodes hereof by electrical cabling 179 in orderto drive the same with bipolar outputs produced from the ElectrosurgicalGenerator. Notably, the Instant Response Electrosurgical Generator 178includes three bipolar output modes, namely: Low/Precise;Medium/Standard; and Macrobipolar. When operated in the Low and Mediumbipolar modes, low output voltages are produced in order to preventsparking across the electro-cauterizing electrodes.

[0191] When inner cannula 4 is installed within outer cannula 5, asshown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, inner apertures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are able tofreely slide along elongated outer apertures, 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D,respectively. Also, at each positioning of the inner cannula within theouter cannula, aspiration is permitted through each “effective”aspiration (i.e., suction) aperture formed by the partial registrationof each inner aspiration aperture with its corresponding outeraspiration aperture. Aspiration through these resulting effectiveaspiration apertures or openings, continues along passageway 14 andexits through outlet port 11. Consequently, the general location ofaspiration along cannula assembly 3 is periodically displaced as innercannula 4 is reciprocated relative to outer cannula 5, which isstationary with respect to the hand-supportable housing 2.

[0192] In order to maintain inner aspiration apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8Daligned with outer aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D,respectively, and thus ensure partial registration therebetween, thedistal end of the inner and outer tubes are provided with a keyingsystem. In the illustrated embodiment, the keying system comprises akeying element 4D disposed on outer surface of the inner cannula, beforedistal tip 4C. Keying element 4D can be a rigid or flexible element thatslides within an elongated outer aperture (e.g. 16B) and prevents axialrotation between cannulas 4 and 5 as they undergo relativereciprocation. To assemble cannula assembly 3, distal tip 4C of theinner cannula is inserted through bore 18 in outer cannula base 17 sothat the distal end of inner cannula 4A is slidably received withinouter cannula 5, as shown in FIG. 3A. In this configuration, keyingelement 4D is received and guided within elongated aperture 8B′ asshown. In this general configuration, cannula assembly 3 is installedwithin cannula cavity 20 by first opening housing cover 21, shown inFIG. 1C. Then outer cannula base flange 17 is inserted within annularrecess 19 and actuation extension 13 within inner cannula base notch 12.Thereafter, housing cover 21 is closed shut and liposuction device 1A isready for operation. A conventional vacuum source is then connected tooutlet port 11, preferably using optically transparent, semi-flexibletubing 15. With this arrangement, fatty tissue, aspirated throughapertures 8A/16B, 8B/16B and 8C/16C and 8D/16D and opening 9, can betransported through passageway 14 to a reservoir device (not shown),operably associated with the vacuum source.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 1A, the gross geometry of housing 2 ispreferably that of an ellipsoid, however, other geometries such as, forexample, a cylindrical structure, can be used in practicing the presentinvention. Housing 2 contains cannula cavity 20, which extends along theentire longitudinal extent of the hand-holdable housing. In theillustrated embodiment, cannula cavity 20 has generally cylindricalbearing surfaces 22 which match the outer bearing surface 23 of innercannula base 10, to permit sliding movement of inner cannula 3 withincavity 20. While cylindrical bearing surfaces have been selected in theillustrated embodiment, the use of other forms of bearing surfaces(e.g., rectangular or triangular) is contemplated. To minimize friction,bearing surfaces 22 and 23 may be coated with a Teflon^(R) orfunctionally equivalent coating, to facilitate easy sliding of innercannula base 10 within cavity with low wear. As illustrated in FIG. 1B,cannula cavity 20 also includes annular recess 19, into which annularbase flange 19 is adapted to be received in order to render the outercannula essentially stationary with respect to hand-holdable housing 2.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 1B, electrical contact pads 176A and 176B areembedded within surface-recesses formed within the wall surfaces of theannular recess 19. Preferably, electrically-conductive contact pads 176Aand 176B are made from electrically conductive material having a shapedwhich is similar to the shape of electrically conductive pads 166A and166B that are embedded within the outer surface of the base portion ofthe outer cannula 5. When the cannula assembly of this embodiment isinstalled within the hand-holdable housing, the electrical contact pads166A and 166B on the base portion of the outer cannula willautomatically establish electrical contact pads 176A and 176B withinrecess 19, respectively. In this way, the RF supply and return voltagesfrom RF signal generator 178 are automatically applied to theelectro-cauterizing electrodes embedded within the cannula assembly ofthe present invention.

[0195] As illustrated in FIG. 1C, hand-holdable housing 2 is providedwith a hinged cover 21. Hinged cover 21 allows cannula cavity 20 to beopened and accessed so that cannula assembly 3 can be selectivelyinstalled in cannula cavity 20 and removed therefrom as desired orrequired. Cover panel 21 has a semi-circular cross-sectional geometryand is connected to the remaining portion of housing 2 by a conventionalhinge means 25. To secure cover panel 21 to the remainder of housing 2,a releasable locking means 26 is provided at the interface of hingecover 21 and housing 2, as shown. Releasable locking means 26 canrealized in a variety of ways, including, for example, using a springbiased lamp element 27 which engages in a notch 28 formed in theexternal surface of the remaining housing portion, as illustrated inFIG. 1C.

[0196] In general, there are numerous ways to effectuate reciprocationof inner cannula 4 within cannula cavity 20 and thus within stationaryouter cannula 5. Examples of possible reciprocation means 6 include, butare not limited to, gas or electrically driven motor(s). In theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIGS. 4A through 6A,FIGS. 7 through 8A, FIGS. 6A through 6D, and FIGS. 10 through 14D, oneor more gas driven piston-type motors are employed to realize thereciprocation means 6 within the liposuction instrument. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9F, a rotary-type motor isused to realize reciprocation means 6 of the present invention.

[0197] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a piston-type motor 6 is mountedwithin a motor cavity 30 provided adjacent cannula cavity 20 of housing2. Notably, this reciprocation means cavity 30 extends essentiallyparallel to cannula cavity 20 and along a substantial portion of thelongitudinal dimension of hand-holdable housing as will become moreapparent hereinafter. This unique spatial relationship between thecannula cavity and reciprocation means cavity within housing 20, ensuresoptional cannula displacement relative to longitudinal dimensions of thehand-holdable housing.

[0198] In general, motor 6 comprises a chamber housing 31 having a gasinlet port 32 and an inner chamber generally indicated by referencenumeral 33. Slidably received within the inner chamber of housing 31 isa movable piston 34 having formed in the lower portion wall 35, one ormore gas outlet ports 36. Mounted to the top portion of movable piston34 is actuation element 37, whose extension 13 projects throughlongitudinally disposed slot 38 formed in the bearing wall surface 22 ofcannula cavity 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, actuation extension 13 passingthrough slot 38, is received within notch 12 formed in inner cannulabase 10 and operably associates inner cannula 3 with motor 6.

[0199] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, chamber housing 31 is fixedly disposedwithin motor cavity 30. Motor cavity 30 is also provided with at leastone port 39 for ventilating to the ambient environment, gas releasedfrom inner chamber 33 upon movable piston 34 reaching it maximumdisplacement or excursion. Movable piston 34 is biased in the directionof chamber housing 31 by way of a spring biasing element 40. Thecompliance of spring biasing element 40 can be adjusted by moving theposition of slidable wall 41 by rotating, for example, threaded element42 passing through a portion 43 of housing 2, as shown. With thisarrangement, adjustment of wall 41, closer to or farther from chamberhousing 31, results in decreasing or increasing, respectively, thecompliance of spring biasing element 40. This mechanism, in turn,provides a simple, yet reliable way in which to control the rate ofreciprocation of movable piston 34, and thus the rate of reciprocationof inner cannula 3 relative to housing 2.

[0200] The manner of operation of piston-type motor 6 is described asfollows. Gas, such as pressurized air or N₂ gas, is introduced underconstant pressure to inlet port 32 of chamber housing 31. As the gasfills up the volume enclosed by the interior walls of movable piston 34and chamber 33, inner chamber 33 begins to expand, forcing movablepiston 34 upwardly against the biasing force of spring biasing element40. When movable piston 34 is displaced sufficiently enough from chamberhousing 31 so that gas within expanding chamber 33 can be releasedthrough gas exit port 39 to the ambient atmosphere, piston 34 will beforced back downwardly into chamber housing 31. The rate of the forceddownward piston movement is inversely proportional to the compliance ofspring biasing element 40. Subsequently, chamber 33 will again fill upwith gas, piston 34 will again be displaced and gas subsequently vented,whereupon reciprocating displacement of piston 34 will be repeated againin a cyclical manner. Since movable piston 34 is operably connected withinner cannula base 10 by way of actuation element 37, this reciprocatingmovement of piston 34 results in reciprocating movement of inner cannula3 within cannula cavity 20. Furthermore, this relative reciprocationbetween the inner cannula and the outer cannula results in periodicdisplacement of the effective aspiration apertures along the distal endportion of the cannula assembly.

[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the amount of excursion that piston 34is permitted to undergo before gas venting and subsequent downwardpiston movement occurs, is determined by the distance “d” definedbetween gas output port 32 and top wall surface 47 of chamber housing31. A typical cannula excursion distance of about four inches, forexample, will necessitate that the parameter d, defined above, be alsoabout four inches.

[0202] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a second embodiment of the liposuction deviceof the present invention is shown. Liposuction device 1B has analternative cannula assembly retention means while inhering all of thestructural features of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1Athrough 1C. In particular, liposuction device 1B does not have ahingedly connected housing cover panel, and instead incorporates asnap-fit type cannula assembly retention mechanism. In accordance withthis embodiment, actuation element 37′ has an extension which isessentially flush with elongated slot 38 formed in cavity wall 22.

[0203] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative embodiment of theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly hereof is shown. This cannulaassembly is similar to the above-described cannula assembly in allrespectives except the extension on actuation element 37. In thisalternative embodiment, the extension on actuation 37′ is provided witha spring biased ball bearing 48 that projects slightly beyond cannulacavity wall surface 22. When inner cannula base 10′ is pushed intocannula cavity 20 in the vicinity of actuation element 37′, ball bearing48 engages within indentation ring 49 circumferentially formed aboutinner cannula base 10′. Notably, spring biased ball bearing 48 functionsas an engaging means for inner cannula base 10′.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 4A, the engaging means for outer cannula base17′ is also realized as a spring biased ball bearing 50 installedthrough cannula cavity wall 22. Outer cannula base 5′ is provided withan annular flange 47 and indentation ring 49 circumferentially formedabout outer cannula base 17′. As shown, annular flange 57 establishessurface to surface contact with peripheral surface 58 area of thehousing when cannula base 5′ is pushed into cannula cavity 20. In thisposition, ball bearing 50 engages within indentation ring 49 and asnap-fit engagement is established. This arrangement serves to retainboth inner and outer cannulas 3′ and 4 cannula cavity 20′, in areleasable manner, as actuation element 37′ is caused to reciprocateperiodically. The outer cannula is simply removed from cannula cavity 20by quickly pulling on outer cannula tube 5 with a modest degree offorce, to overcome the bias force of engaged ball bearing 50. Similarly,the inner cannula is simply removed by quickly pulling on inner cannulatube 4′ to over come bias force of engaged ball bearing 50.Advantageously, this cannula assembly retention mechanism can alsoprovide a safety release feature, in that if inner cannula 4′, forexample, becomes snagged during an operation, it will disengage from thereciprocation means 6 if a proper spring biasing force is selected forball bearing 50.

[0205]FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 also show an electro-cauterizing cannulaassembly according to the present invention which is adapted for usewith liposuction instruments having cannula retention capabilities ofthe snap-in type described above. Notably, the elements which correspondto inner and outer cannulas illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 3B1, areindicated by similar reference numbers.

[0206] In the embodiment featured in FIGS. 7A and 7B, inner cannula base10″ has a deeply formed spherical indentation 52 which is adapted toreceive ball bearing 48 mounted in the extension of in actuation element37. To facilitate guiding ball bearing 48 into spherical indentation 52,a longitudinally extending groove 53 is formed in inner cannula base10″. Also, as shown, widened recess portions 53A and 53B are provided atopposite ends of groove 53 to facilitate initial insertion of ballbearing 48 in groove 53. When inner cannula base 10″ is slid intocannula cavity 20, ball bearing 48 snaps into indentation 52 toestablish a locked position. Biased ball bearing 48 engaged in sphericalindentation 52 serves to retain inner cannula 5 within cannula cavity20, while facilitating reciprocation of inner cannula 5 when actuationelement 37′ is caused to reciprocate.

[0207] Similar to the snap-fit inner cannula retention mechanismillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, FIG. 8 shows outer cannula base 17″having a longitudinally extending groove 55. Also, as shown, widenedrecess portions 55A and 55B are formed at opposite ends of groove 55 tofacilitate insertion of ball bearing 50 into spherical indentation 56.When outer cannula base 17″ is slid into cannula cavity 20, ball bearing50 snaps into spherical indentation 56 to establish a locked position.When this occurs, annular flange 57 will engage with outer peripheralsurface 58, about circular access opening leading into cannula cavity,shown in FIG. 4A. Upon such engagement, outer cannula 5 is renderedstationary relative to hand-holdable housing 2. As with inner cannula 4,the outer cannula is simply removed from cannula cavity 20 by pulling onouter cannula tube 5 with a modest degree of force to overcome the biasforce of engaged ball bearing 50.

[0208] In order to selectively adjust the amount of cannula excursionpermitted during a liposuction operation, piston-type motor 6 can bemodified, as shown in FIG. 5, to produce embodiment of the liposuctiondevice of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the basicstructure of liposuction device 1C is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1Athrough 1C, except that a user-adjustable intermediate housing wall 88is disposed between the inner walls 31A of chamber housing 31 and theouter walls 34A of movable piston 34. Intermediate housing wall 87 isoperably associated with an excursion selection means realized as aslidable member 88 fixedly attached to the upper portion of intermediatehousing wall 59. Preferably, slidable member 88 extends through a slot89 formed in the wall of housing 2 and can be slid, for example, bymovement of the surgeon's thumb. The function of intermediate housingwall 87 is to effectively raise the height of the chamber housing wall,and thus selectively increase distance d, defined, for example, as thedistance between gas outlet port 32 in piston 34 and upper portion 63 ofthe chamber housing wall. In this way, movable piston 34 must undergo alarger displacement before compressed gas will be released and piston 34permitted to be forced downwardly under the biasing force of biasingspring element 40.

[0209] As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, it is alsopossible to control the rate of reciprocation of the inner cannula bycontrolling the rate of gas flow entering chamber 33 of piston-typemotor 6. This can be achieved using a conventional gas flow regulationdevice 78 inserted between source of gas “S” and inlet port 32 ofchamber housing 31. As shown, tubing sections 79A and 79B1 are used toachieve fluid communication between these elements. Typically, cannulareciprocation rates will be in the range of 30 to 90 reciprocationcycles per minute, and the corresponding gas flow rates will depend onparameters including, for example, the compliance of biasing spring 40,the volumes of movable piston 34 and chamber housing 31, thecross-sectional diameter of gas inlet port 32, and the cross-sectionaldiameter of gas outlet ports 36 in the piston.

[0210] Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6D, there is shown anotherembodiment of the liposuction device of the present invention. Inliposuction device 1F, the housing and cannula assembly are generallysimilar to those of the previously described embodiments, with theexception of several differences which will be described below.

[0211] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a pair of piston-type motors 6A and 6Bof the type generally indicated in FIGS. 1A through 1C and 5, arefixedly installed within respective motor cavities 30A and 30B ofhousing 2. Each piston-type motor 6A and 6B has a respective chamberhousing and movable piston, indicated by 31A and 31B, and 34A and 34B,respectively. Actuation elements 37A and 37B are fixedly connected torespective pistons 34A and 34B and project through respective elongatedslots 38A and 38B formed in cannula cavity wall 22; this is achieved, ina manner similar to that described in connection with the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1A through 1C, 4A, 4B and 5. While not shown in FIG. 6A,preferably a rod or bar is fixedly attached between actuation elements37A and 37B in order to maintain them a fixed distance apart, and yetprovide an operable connection between the inner cannula 41 andactuation elements 37A and 37B in the manner described below. As shownin FIG. 6B, this embodiment includes hinged cover panel 21 in a mannersimilar to that described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1C, 5, 6A and8A.

[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, inner cannula base 10′″ has first andsecond receiving slots or notches 12A and 12B, into which extensions 13Aand 13B of respective actuation elements 37A and 37B are received. Suchoperable connections between movable pistons 6A and 6B and inner cannulabase 10′″ enables inner cannula 4′ to reciprocate relative to housing 2when actuation elements 37A and 37B are caused to reciprocate relativeto respective gas driven motors 6A and 6B.

[0213] In order to control the filling and venting of chambers 33A and33B of the first and second piston motors, to effectuate cyclicalreciprocating motion of actuation elements 37A and 37B and thus innercannula 4′, a mechanically-operated gas flow control device 90 isemployed in operable association with an external source of pressurizedgas (not shown), gas inlet ports 32A and 32B, and movable pistons 34Aand 34B.

[0214] As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 6C and 6D, gas flowcontrol device 90 comprises a shuttle valve housing or casing 91, havingfirst and second shuttle chambers 92A and 92B. These shuttle chambersare separated by a shuttle valve member 93 which is fixedly attached toa slidable shaft 94. As illustrated, shuttle valve member 93 is slidablebetween two positions or states “A” and “B”. In order to achieve thisshaft 94 extends through bores 95A and 95B formed in shuttle chamber andwalls 91A and 91B respectively, in which seals 96A and 96B are installedin a conventional manner. When the shuttle valve 93 is centrallydisposed in casing 91 between states A and B, shaft ends 94A and 94Bprotrude equally beyond respective bores 95A and 95B.

[0215] Adjacent one end of cylindrical shuttle chamber side wall 98, afirst gas exit port 89A is formed, whereas adjacent the other end ofwall 98, a second gas exit port 98B is formed, as shown. At aboutintermediate the end walls, a gas inlet port 100 is formed in shuttlechamber side wall 98. A pair of annulus-shaped shuttle valve stops 101Aand 101B are formed at opposite end portions of the interior surface ofcylindrical wall 98. These stops 101A and 101B serve to limit slidingmovement of shuttle valve 93 when shaft 94 is displaced in one of twopossible axial directions by actuation elements 37A and 37B,respectively, as shown in FIG. 6A. As will be discussed in greaterdetail hereinafter, it is these actuation elements 37A and 37B whichdisplace shaft 94 and thus shuttle valve 93 between one of two states,as movable pistons 34A and 34B are caused to reciprocate. Preferably, atleast a portion of shuttle valve 93 is formed of a ferromagneticmaterial so that ferrous end walls 102A and 102B will attractferromagnetic shuttle valve 93 and pull it against one of stops 101A and101B and into gas flow state A or B, i.e., when shuttle valve 93 isbrought into proximity therewith upon displacement of shaft 94 by one ofactuation elements 37A and 37B. Peripheral side surfaces of shuttlevalve 93 are provided with seals 103 to prevent gas leakage betweenshuttle chambers 92A and 92B.

[0216] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, first gas exit port 99A of device 90is in a fluid communication with second chamber housing 31B by gaschannel 104, whereas second gas exit port 99B is in fluid communicationwith first chamber housing 31A by gas channel 105. In the illustratedembodiment, gas inlet aperture 106 is formed through housing 2 andpermits gas channel 107 to establish fluid communication between gasinlet port 100 and the external source of pressurized gas. Notably,chamber housings 31A and 31B, shuttle valve housing 91, gas channels104, 105 and 107 can be realized as discrete elements, as shown, oralternatively as integrally formed elements which are part of theinterior of the hand-holdable housing itself.

[0217] The principal function of gas flow control device 90 is tocontrol the flow of gas to pistons 34A and 34B so that only one of thegas pistons is actively driven at a time, while the other is passivelydriven. The manner of operation of gas flow control device 90 incooperation with the periodic displacement of pistons 34A and 34B, willnow, be described.

[0218] Owing to the fact that shuttle valve 93 is magnetically biased tobe in essentially one of two possible positions, or gas flow states, gaswill initially be caused to flow into one of piston-chamber housings 31Aor 31B, and cause its respective piston and actuation element to moveaway (i.e. protract) from its respective chamber housing. Only along asmall portion of the piston excursion will shuttle valve shaft 94 andthus shuttle valve 93, be displaced within shuttle valve housing 91 asthe actively driven piston is displaced upon buildup of pressurized gaswithin its respective chamber.

[0219] To illustrate this cyclical process, it will be assumed that gasflow control valve 90 is initially in state A, as shown in FIG. 6A.Here, piston 34A has reached its maximal displacement and pressurizedgas within chamber 33A has been substantially vented through gas outletport 26A and through ports 39A and 39B. In this position (state A),shuttle valve 90 is magnetically biased against stops 101B so that gasis caused to flow from the external gas source (not shown), throughfirst shuttle chamber 93A and into second chamber housing 33B. Withshuttle valve 92 in this state, gas pressure is allowed to build up inchamber 33B, displacing piston 34B and actuation element 37B to protractfrom second chamber housing 31B. Therewhile, inner cannula base 10′″ iscaused to undergo an outwardly directed excursion within cannula cavity20, commensurate with the active displacement of piston 34B. Duringpiston excursion (i.e., travel) defined over length L₁, shuttle valve 93remains in state A against stop 101B.

[0220] Then over piston excursion L₂, actuation element 37B contactsshaft end 94B and displaces shuttle valve 93 away from stop 101B toabout mid-position in shuttle housing 91, approximately over input port100, at which point, magnetic shuttle valve 93 is pulled toward ferrousplate 102A into state B and against stop 101A, as shown in FIG. 6A withphantom lines. At this phase in the cycle, piston 34A is fully retractedwithin chamber housing 31A, while piston 34B is fully protracted fromchamber housing 31B and displaced a distance L₃ from the upper portionthereof (i.e., L₃=L₁+L₂). In State B, gas flow control device 50 directsthe flow of pressurized gas from the external source, along channel 107,through second shuttle chamber 92B and along channel 105 and into pistonchamber housing 31A.

[0221] Magnetically biased shuttle valve 93 remains in state B aschamber housing 31A fills with pressurized gas, expanding the chamber33A and actively displacing piston 34 A away from chamber housing 31A,while causing piston 34B to passively retract back into its chamberhousing 31B. All the while, inner cannula base 10 ″′, being operablyassociated with actuation elements 37A and 37B, undergoes a commensurateamount of inwardly directed excursion within cannula cavity 20. Whenpiston 34B is displaced an amount of distance L₄, actuation element 37Acontacts shaft end 94A and displaces shuttle valve 93 a small distanceL₅, at which point, magnetic shuttle valve 93 is pulled towards ferrousplat 102B, back into state A and against stop 101B. At this phase in thecycle, piston 34B is fully retracted within chamber housing 31B whilepiston 34A is fully protracted from chamber housing 31A and displaced ata distance L₆ from the upper portion thereof (i.e., L₆=L₄+L₅). In stateA, gas flow control device 90 directs the flow of pressurized gas fromthe external source, along channel 107, through first shuttle chamber92A, along channel 104 and into piston chamber housing 31B.

[0222] Magnetically biased shuttle valve 93 remains in state A aschamber housing 91B fills with pressurized gas, expanding chamber 3Bactively displacing piston 34B away from chamber housing 31B, whilecausing piston 34A to passively retract back into its piston chamberhousing 31A. All the while, inner cannula base 10′″, being operablyassociated with actuation elements 37A and 37B, undergoes once again acommensurate amount of outwardly directed excursion within cannulacavity 20. With a preselected gas pressure and flow rate set at gasinlet port 100 of device 90, the above-described process of gas filling,venting and flow control occurs automatically at a corresponding rate,resulting in periodic reciprocation of inner cannula 10′″ relative tohand-holdable housing 2. In turn, this periodic reciprocation of innercannula 4′ results in periodic displacement of the general location ofaspiration occurring along the length of the cannula assembly.

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 9A through 9F, there is illustrated yetanother embodiment of the liposuction device of the present invention.In general, liposuction device 1G has a pistol-shaped housing 110 whichcomprises a barrel portion 111 and a detachable handle portion 112.Instead of using a reciprocating piston motor to translate inner cannula4′ relative to housing 100, this embodiment utilizes a rotary-type motor113. In operative association with a cam mechanism, generally indicatedby reference numeral 114, rotary-type motor 113 causes actuation element115 to cyclically slide back and forth and cause inner cannula 4′ toperiodically reciprocate relative to barrel portion 111 of thepistol-shaped housing.

[0224] As illustrated in FIGS. 9B through 9D, barrel portion 111 of thehousing comprises a cannula cavity 116 adapted for slidably receivingcylindrically-shaped base 17 of inner cannula 4′, in a manner describedhereinabove. Cannula cavity 116 is also provided with a longitudinallyextending access opening, over which a hingedly connected cover panel117 is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, cover panel 117 facilitiesinsertion of the cannula assembly into, and removal of the cannulaassembly from, cannula cavity 116 in a manner similar to that describedin connection with liposuction instrument 1A of FIGS. 1A through 1C, inparticular. As illustrated in FIG. 9C in greater detail, inner cannulabase 10 is adapted to be received within cannula cavity 116 and outercannula base flange 19 releasably received within annular recess 118formed in cannula cavity wall 22.

[0225] To install inner cannula 4′ into cannula cavity 116,semi-flexible transparent tubing 15 is connected to inner cannula outletport 11. Then cover panel 117 is opened and tubing is fed out throughrear port 119 of the barrel portion, as illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9F.Inner cannula base 10 is then slid into cavity 116 with extensionalportion of actuation element 115 received in notch 12. Then outercannula 5′ is slid over the distal end of inner cannula 4′ until outercannula base 17 is received within annular recess 118. Thereafter, asshown in FIG. 9E, cover panel 117 is snapped closing using, for example,a spring biased locking device 120, of the type previously describedabove. Removal of inner and outer cannulas simply involves a reversal ofthe above procedure.

[0226] Alternatively, using spring biased actuation elements and innerand outer cannulas of the type shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, barrel portion111 can be realized without necessity of hinged cover panel 117. In suchan alternative embodiment, the inner and outer cannulas can besnap-fitted into and pulled out of cannula cavity 116 in a mannersimilar to that described hereinabove.

[0227] As illustrated in FIGS. 9B through 9F, barrel portion 111 housescam mechanism 114 which is operably associated with (i) rotary motor 113contained within the handle portion, and (ii) actuation element 115which slidably passes through a longitudinal slot 121 formed within theupper wall of cannula cavity 116. As in the other previously describedembodiments, actuation element 115 includes extension 115A that passesthrough elongated slot 121 and is received within notch 12 formed ininner cannula base 10. In addition, cam mechanism 114 of the illustratedembodiment inherently embodies gear reduction. In this way, a highangular shaft velocity of rotary motor 113, can be efficientlytransformed into reciprocational strokes of the cannula, occurring at asubstantially lower rate. With such an arrangement, as rotary motor 113is caused to rotate under either gas pressure or electrical power,actuation element 115 is caused to reciprocate within elongated slot 121by way of cam mechanism 114, and thereby cause inner cannula 4′ toperiodically reciprocate relative to housing 110. This motion results inperiodic displacement of the general location of aspiration occurringalong the length of the cannula assembly.

[0228] As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, cam mechanism 114 of thepreferred embodiment comprises a drive wheel 122 having a firstpredetermined number of gear teeth 123 disposed thereabout. Drive wheel122 is rotatably mounted to a shaft 124 mounted through an opening inthe top panel of an accommodating section 125 of the barrel portion. Cammechanism 114 also includes a connective element 126 having first andsecond ends 126A and 126B, respectively. First end 126A of theconnective element is pivotally attached to the drive wheel 122 at apoint disposed away from the axial center 124, whereas second end 126Bis pivotally connected to actuation element 115 as shown. In order toadjust the distance away from the axis of rotation 124 at which thefirst end for the connective element is pivotally attached, a radiallyformed slot 127 is formed in drive wheel 122. A plurality of widenedcircular apertures 128 are disposed along radial slot 127 as shown inFIGS. 9B and 9D. In this way, a spring-loaded cylindrical pin 129passing through the first end of connective element 126, can beselectively locked into one of apertures 128 by pulling upwardly uponpin 129 and setting its cylindrical base 129A into the desired aperture128. In FIG. 9D, pin 129 is shown to further include pin head 129B, ahollow bore 129B, and an axle 129D having heads 129E and 129F. As shown,a spring 129G is enclosed within bore 129C about axle 129D and betweenhead 129F and an inner flange 129H. By selectively locking the first end126A of connective element 126 into a particular circular notch 128using springloaded pin 129, the distance of the first end of theconnective element from axial center 124 can be set, and thus the amountof inner cannula excursion (and effective aspiration aperturedisplacement) thereby selected. To permit access to spring-loaded pin129, the top panel of accommodating portion 125 of the housing isprovided with a hinged door 132 that can be opened and snapped closed asdesired.

[0229] As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, handle portion 112 of thehousing encloses a substantial portion of rotary motor 113 whose shaft133 projects beyond the handle portion and bears a gear wheel 134. Asshown, gear wheel 134 has a second predetermined number of gear teeth134A disposed circumferentially thereabout, which mesh with drive wheelteeth 123. Notably, to permit the rear portion 119 of cannula cavity 116to extend all the way towards the rear of the barrel portion for passageand exit of aspiration hose 15, shaft 133 of the motor is mounted offcenter of handle portion 113, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9F.

[0230] Rotary motor 113 is preferably an electric motor whose shaftspeed is controllable by the voltage applied to its terminals. Suchspeed control can be realized by a conventional speed control circuit135 connected between motor 113 and a conventional 110-115 volt, 50-60Hertz power supply. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, conventional electricalcord 136 and on/off power switch 150 can be used to connect controlcircuit 135 and the power supply. Control over the output voltageproduced from speed control circuit 115 and provided to electrical motor113, can be adjusted, for example, by changing the resistance of apotentiometer 137 which is operably connected to the speed controlcircuit. As shown in FIG. 6C in particular, this potentiometer 137 canbe embodied within a trigger mechanism 138 which is connected, forexample, to handle portion 112 of housing 110. By pulling trigger 138,the speed of rotary motor 113 can be controlled, and consequently, sotoo the rate of reciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative to outercannula 5′, and thus the rate of displacement of the effectiveaspiration apertures.

[0231] To connect handle portion 112 to barrel portion 111 and permitdisconnection therebetween for cleaning, sterilization and generalservice, handle portion 112 is provided with flange 140 andthumb-operable spring element 141. Barrel portion 111, on the otherhand, is provided with slot 142, catch 143, and cavity 144. To connecthandle portion 112 to barrel portion 111, shaft 133 is vertically passedthrough channels 144 and 145 until gear 134 is slightly below the planeof drive wheel 122. Then, spring element 141 is inserted within cavity144 while flange 140 is guided into slot 142. By pushing the rearportion of handle 112 in the longitudinal direction of cannula cavity116, spring element 141 will snap over and clasp catch 143 as shown inFIG. 12C. In this configuration, handle portion 112 is secured to barrelportion 111 and gear teeth 123 will mesh with drive wheel teeth 134A. Todisconnect handle portion 112 from barrel portion 11, the surgeon'sthumb simply depresses spring-element 141 downwardly and then, by movinghandle portion 112 slightly rearwardly, then downwardly, flange 140 isdislodged from slot 142 and motor shaft 133 can be withdrawn fromchannels 144 and 145. In this disassembled state, handle portion 110 andbarrel portion 112 can be individually cleaned and sterilized usingconventional procedures known in the surgical instrument art.

[0232] Liposuction device 1G described above employed an electric rotarymotor to effectuate reciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative tohousing 110. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is possible toeffect reciprocation of the outer cannula while the inner cannula isstationary with respect to the housing, as shown in FIGS. 6A through 7.Also, it is possible to employ a conventional gas driven rotary motor inlieu of electric rotary motor 113. In such an embodiment, trigger 138can be operatively associated with a gas flow control valve. Thus, bycontrolling the rate of gas flow to the gas rotary motor upon actuationof trigger 138, the angular velocity of shaft 133 can be controlled andthus the rate of reciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative to housing110.

[0233] Having described various illustrated embodiments, it isappropriate at this juncture to describe the method of the presentinvention using, for purposes of illustration only, the liposuctioninstrument 1C illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0234] In general, the surgeon prepares in a conventional manner, thearea of skin below which liposuction is to be performed. Typically, thisentails marking various zones where radial displacement of theaspiration apertures is to occur. Liposuction instrument 1C of thepresent invention is assembled as described above so that aspirationapertures 8A′, 8B′ and 8C′ of cannula assembly 3′ are in communicationwith a vacuum source (not shown). A small incision is then made in thepatient's skin in a conventional manner, and the distal portion of thecannula assembly is inserted into a premarked radial zone. Aspressurized gas is provided to piston motor 6, inner cannula 10 willautomatically reciprocate causing the general location of the suctionapertures to be automatically displaced along each tunnel of fattytissue. During the operation of the instrument, the surgeon's handholding the liposuction instrument is maintained essentially stationarywith respect to the patient. Fatty tissue is aspirated through theperiodically displaced aspiration apertures, and transferred into areservoir tank operably associated with the vacuum source.

[0235] As deemed necessary, the surgeon can selectively increase therate of aspiration aperture travel along the distal end of the cannulaassembly. This can be achieved by a foot-operated gas flow controldevice 78 which controls the rate of gas flow to piston motor 6. Also,the amount of inner cannula excursion (i.e., aspiration aperture travel)can also be selected by adjusting the compliance of spring 40 throughrotation of threaded element 42.

[0236] In the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove, the outercannula has been made from an electrically non-conductive material(i.e., achieving electrical isolation between the cauterizing electrodessupported on the outer cannula, and electrically conductive innercannula). The inner cannula has been made from stainless steel, offeringthe advantage of being easily cleaned and sterilizable. The plasticouter cannula offers the advantages of electrical insulation, lowmanufacturing cost and disposability. Preferably, when making the outercannula from a suitable plastic material, injection moulding processescan be used.

[0237] In FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of the liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 9 is shown. While this embodiment of the liposuctioninstrument hereof 180 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9,there are a number of differences. For example, an actuator 181magnetically-coupled to an air powered cylinder 182 is used toreciprocate the base portion 10 of the inner cannula of itselectro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The magnetically-coupled airpowered cylinder and actuator subassembly (182, 181) can be realized asModel No. MG 038 commercially available from Tol-O-Matic, Inc. of Hamel,Minn. As shown in FIG. 10, the ends of the air powered cylinder 182 aresupported by an external guide and support system comprises brackets183A and 183B, which are integrated with interior portions of thehand-holdable housing. The actuator block 181, which is mounted aboutthe cylindrical shaft of the cylinder 182, reciprocates between thesupport brackets 183A and 183B in response to pressurized air (gas)flowing into its first air input/output port 18A, then the second airinput/output port 184B, repeatedly in an alternating manner, causing theactuator 181 to reciprocate along the cylinder 182. Such pressurized airstreams are provided by an air-flow control device 185.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 10A, the air flow control device 185 has one airsupply port 185A, first and second air output/return ports 185B and185C, and first and second air exhaust ports 185D and 185E. Air supplyport 185A is supplied with pressurized air through tubing 185A1connected to flow rate control unit 219 which is controlled byelectrical signals produced by trigger 138 when pulled to a particulardegree of angular function of deflection. The control unit 219 is tocontrol the flow of air from supply tubing section 219A connected to anexternal source of pressurized air. The first and second airoutput/return ports 185B and 185C, are arranged in fluid communicationwith the first and second air input/output ports 184A and 184B of thecylinder 182, respectively, by way of air tubing sections 186 and 187.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 10A, air-flow control device 185 has an air flowcontrol shaft 188 with air flow directing surfaces 188A. Air flowcontrol shaft is slidably supported within the housing of the device.The function of the flow control shaft is to commute air flow betweenits various ports described above in response to the position of theactuator 181 along the cylinder 182 during device operation. In order toachieve such functions, the air-flow control shaft 188 of theillustrative embodiment is mechanically coupled to an actuator strokecontrol rod 189 by way of a mechanical linkage 1990. Linkage 190 issupported by brackets 191A, 191B and 191C and secured to the interior ofthe hand-holdable housing. Along the actuator stroke control rod 189, apair of actuator stops 192A and 192B are disposed. In the illustrativeembodiment, stops 192A and 192B are realized as slidable rods which areadapted to lock into different detected positions along the strokecontrol rod 189 when the surgeon presses the top thereof (locatedoutside of the housing) downwardly and then in the direction ofadjustment, releasing the control stop at its desired location. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to fix one of the control stops whileallowing the other control stop to be adjustable along a selectedportion of the length of the stroke control rod 189. In alternativeembodiments, actuator stroke control can be realized using other typesof adjustment mechanisms including, for example, externally accessibleadjustment screw mechanism, in which adjustment (rotation) of a singleknob or thumb-wheel enables the surgeon to set the stroke length of theinner cannula and thus the aspiration aperture thereof; electroniccontrol mechanisms, in which actuation of an electronic or electricaldevice, such as foot pad or electrical switch enables the surgeon totranslate the position of one or both of the stroke control stops byelectromechanical means (including linear motors, geared rotary motorsand the like.)

[0240] As shown in FIG. 10A, the air flow control shaft 188 has twoprimary positions; a first position, in which pressurized air from theair supply port 185A is directed to flow through the second airoutput/return port 188C of the air flow control device, along tubing 187and into the second input/output port 184B of the cylinder 182, whilethe second input/outlet port 184B of the cylinder is in communicationwith the first exhaust port 185D of the air flow control device 185causing inner cannula to project away from the housing; and a secondposition, in which pressurized air from the air supply port 185A isdirected to flow through the first air output/return port 188B of theair flow control device, along tubing 186 and into the firstinput/output port 184A of the cylinder, while the second input/outletport 184B of the cylinder is in communication with the second exhaustport 185E of the air flow control device 185, causing the inner cannulato retract inwards towards the housing. By virtue of this arrangement,the actuator 181 is automatically driven back and forth between strokecontrol stops 192A and 192B along the cylinder stroke rod in response topressurized air flow into the air flow control device 185. When theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of FIG. 11A is installed within thecannula cavity of the liposuction device, as described hereinabove, theinner cannula 4 will be caused to reciprocate relative to the outercannula 5. In the illustrative embodiment, the length of the excursionof the inner cannula 4 is determined by the physical spacing betweenmechanical stops 192A and 192B. By varying the spacing of these stopsalong the stroke control rod 182, the maximum excursion of the innercannula relative to the stationary outer cannula can be simply andeasily set and reset as necessary by the surge on.

[0241] In FIG. 11A, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3″ is shownfor use with the liposuction instrument of FIG. 10. In this illustrativeembodiment, both the inner and outer cannulas are made of anelectrically non-conductive material such a sterilizable plastic. In theembodiment of FIG. 10, hand-holdable housing is preferably made from anelectrically non-conductive material. Electrically conductive electrodes195A, 195B, 195C and 195D are inserted within the inner aspirationapertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D and electrical wiring 196 run to the innercannula base portion 10, wherein an electrical contact pad 197 isembedded. Electrically conductive electrodes 160A, 160B, 160C and 160Dare also inserted within the outer aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16Cand 16D, and electrical wiring 168 run to the outer cannula base portion19, wherein an electrical contact pad 166B is embedded. An electricalcontact pad 176B is also embedded within the base portion recess withinthe hand-holdable housing.

[0242] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an electrical contact rail 198 isembedded within the side wall surface of the cannula cavity so thatelectrical contact pad 197 or base portion 10 of the inner cannulaestablishes electrical contact therewith to apply RF (supply/return)power signals to the electrodes in the inner cannula during liposuctionoperations. In such circumstances, two sets of electrical connectionsoccur. Firstly, the base portion 10 of the inner cannula is securelyengaged by the actuator block 181 (snap-fitting or other suitable means)and the electrical contact pad 197 contact with the electrical rail 198embedded within the inner side wall surface of the cannula cavity.Secondly, the base portion 19 of the outer cannula is received withinthe base portion recess of the hand-holdable housing and the electricalcontact pad (i.e., RF power supply terminal) 176B embedded therewithinestablishes contact with the electrical contact 166B embedded within thebase portion of the outer cannula. By virtue of these electricalconnections, RF supply potentials are applied to the electrode portionsof the inner cannula, while RF return potentials are applied to theelectrode portions of the outer cannula, whereby electro-cauterizationoccurs.

[0243] In FIGS. 13A through 13D, an alternative electro-cauterizingcannula assembly 3′″ is shown for use with the liposuction instrumentshown in FIGS. 10 and 10A, and readily adaptable for use with otherliposuction instruments of the present invention. In this particularillustrative embodiment, both the inner and outer cannulas are made ofan electrically conductive material. The hand-holdable housing is madefrom an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). Betweenthese electrically conductive cannulas 4 and 5 means are provided formaintaining electrical isolation between the electrically conductivecarrier and outer cannula which, during electro-cauterization, aremaintained at an electrical potential difference (i.e., voltage) of 800volts or more. In general, a variety of different techniques can beemployed for carrying out this functionality. For example, a thincoating of Teflon^(R) material 200 can be applied to the outer surfaceof the outer cannula. Alternatively, a series of electrically-insulatingspacer/washers made from Teflon^(R) ceramic, or like material can bemounted within circumferentially extending grooves formed periodicallyabout the inner cannula to maintain sufficient spacing and thuselectrical insulation between the inner and outer cannulas. Preferably,the spacing between each pair of insulating spacers is smaller than thelength of the bore 18 formed in the electrically conductive base portionof the outer cannula, as illustrated in FIG. 13A.

[0244] The electrical contact rail (i.e., RF power supply terminal) 198embedded within the cannula cavity establishes electrical contact withthe base portion of the inner cannula when the cannula assembly isinstalled in the housing of the device. Also, electrical contact pad176B embedded within the recess portion of the housing establisheselectrical contact with the base portion of the outer cannula when thecannula assembly is installed within the hand-holdable housing. In theassembled state, two sets of electrical connections occur. Firstly, theelectrically conductive base portion of the inner cannula is engaged bythe electrical contact rail 198. Secondly, the base portion of the outercannula is received within the base portion recess and the base portionof the outer cannula establishes contact with the electrical contact176B embedded within the recess portion. By virtue of these electricalconnections, RF supply potentials are applied to the inner cannula,while RF return potentials are applied to the outer cannula. Thepotential difference(s) between these surfaces about the aspirationapertures enable electro-cauterization of tissue as it is beingaspirated through the aspiration aperture moving along the cannulaassembly.

[0245] In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, theinner cannula 4 is made of an electrically non-conductive material suchas plastic. The outer cannula is made of electrically conductivematerial (e.g., stainless steel). The hand-holdable housing is made froman electrically non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). Electricallyconductive electrodes are inserted within the inner aspiration aperturesthereof, and electrical wiring run to the inner cannula base portion,wherein an electrical contact rail is also embedded.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 14G, an electrical contact rail 213A is alsoembedded within the side wall of the cannula cavity. An electricalcontact pad embedded within the recess of the plastic hand-holdablehousing establishes electrical contact with the base portion of theelectrically conductive outer cannula. Thus, when the cannula assemblyis installed within the hand-holdable housing, two sets of electricalconnections occur. Firstly, the base portion of the inner cannula isengaged by the actuation means and the electrical contact padtherewithin establish contact with the electrical contact embeddedwithin the base portion of the outer cannula. By virtue of theseelectrical connections, RF supply potential are applied to the electrodeportions of the inner cannula, while RF return potentials are applied tothe electrode portions of the outer cannula.

[0247] In yet other alternative embodiments of the present invention,hemostasis can be carried out in the powered liposuction instrumentshereof by producing ultrasonic energy (having a frequency of about 50kilohertz) and delivering the same to the aspiration aperture regions ofthe cannula assembly during liposuction procedures. Such ultrasonicenergy will cause protein coagulation of aspirated tissue in the regionsof the aspiration apertures. When the frequency of the ultrasonic energyis reduced to about 20-25 kilohertz, liquefaction or lipolysis of theaspirated tissue will occur. Such modes of operation can be added to anyof the electro-cauterizing liposuction instruments of the presentinvention, or to liposuction instruments with electro-cauterizingcapabilities.

[0248] In FIGS. 14 through 14C, a preferred embodiment of the ultrasoniccauterizing liposuction instrument of the present invention is shown. Ingeneral, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 through 14C is similar to theliposuction instrument of FIG. 10, except that it includes severaladditional means which enable it to effect protein coagulation (and thushemostasis) during liposuction using ultrasonic energy having afrequency of about 50 kilohertz and sufficient power. As shown, a set ofpiezo-electric crystals 210 are embedded about the lumen of the innercannula and encased within the base portion of the inner cannula made ofplastic.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 14, an electrical signal generator 216 externalto the liposuction device is provided for supplying electrical drivesignals to terminals 214 via control circuit 215 when it is enabled bymanual actuation of trigger 138. The electrical signal generator 216should be capable of producing electrical signals having a frequency inthe range of about 15 to 60 kHz, at a sufficient power level. Anycommercially available signal generator, used in medical applications,can be used to realize this system component. The electrical signalsproduced from generator 216 are applied to the terminals of thepiezo-electric transducers embedded within the electricallynon-conductive base portion of the inner cannula.

[0250] When the generator 216 is switched to produce signals in rangecentered about 20 kHz, these signals are delivered to the array ofpiezo-electric transducers embedded within the base portion of the innercannula. These drive signals cause the piezo-electric transducers toproduce ultrasonic signals in substantially the same frequency range topropagate along the surface of the inner cannula and out the inner andouter aspiration apertures, enabling lipolysis or liquefaction ofaspirated fat tissue.

[0251] When the generator is switched to produce signals in rangecentered about 50 kHz, these signals are delivered to the array ofpiezo-electric transducers embedded within the base portion of the innercannula. These drive signals cause the piezo-electric transducers toproduce ultrasonic signals in substantially the same frequency range toestablish standing waves within the inner cannula which propagate outthe apertures of inner and outer cannula, enabling coagulation ofprotein molecules within aspirated tissue, thus achieve hemostasis.

[0252] While carrying out lipolysis using ultrasonic energy producingmeans within the liposuction device hereof, the surgeon may also desireto conduct hemostasis by coagulating protein molecules within tissuebeing aspirated. As shown in FIG. 14, by pulling trigger 138, controlcircuit 217 automatically commutes RF supply and return signals from theRF signal supply unit 175 to power supply terminals 218 which, in turn,are connected to contact pads 176A and 176B embedded within recess 17A,supporting the base portion of the outer cannula with respect to thehand-holdable housing.

[0253] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, a flow control switch 219 isprovided within the handle of the housing in order to enable the flow ofpressurized air from air supply to the reciprocation means (e.g.,cylinder 182, etc.) only when manually actuated trigger 138 is manuallyactuated (or a foot pedal is depressed). When the trigger 138 is pulled,an electrical signal is sent to the flow control switch 219 which, inturn, permits a selected amount of pressurized air to flow into thereciprocation device (e.g., cylinder 182). The trigger switch 138 canhave a number of positions, at which different electrical signals areproduced for enabling flow control switch 219 to allow pressured air toflow to the reciprocation means 182 at different flow rates. This can beused to control the rate of reciprocation of the inner cannula relativeto the outer cannula, providing the surgeon with additional control overthe tissue aspiration process.

[0254] Notably, an improved degree of surgical control and user safetyis provided by the liposuction instrument of the present inventiondescribed above.

[0255] In particular, control circuit 217 prevents the liposuctioninstrument hereof from carrying out cauterization along the length ofits cannula assembly, unless the cannula is reciprocating and/oraspirating. This condition is detected when the trigger 138 is pulled toa particular degree of angular deflection. The reason for providing suchcontrol over the electro-cauterization functionality of the liposuctiondevice hereof is to prevent inadvertent burning of tissue duringliposuction and like procedures.

[0256] The function of the control logic circuit 215 is to enable thecommutation of 20-25 kilohertz electrical signals between the generator216 and the power supply rails 213A and 213B (to energize thepiezo-electric transducers 210 in the base portion of the inner cannula)only when aspirated tissue is flowing through the inner cannula. Thiscondition is detected when the trigger 138 is pulled to a particulardegree of angular deflection.

[0257] The electro-cauterization electrodes of the liposuction deviceshereof can be controlled in a variety of different ways. One way wouldbe to continuously enable RF-based electro-cauterization during sensedtissue aspiration. In such “continuously-enabled” embodiments of thepresent invention, there will typically be no need for external switchesto activate the electro-cauterizing electrodes embodied within thecannula assembly of the present invention.

[0258] Another way would be to enable RF-based electro-cauterization byway of switching RF supply and return signals to the electrodes duringsensed tissue aspiration and supply of an activation signal by thesurgeon. Generation of the activation signal can be realized by manuallyactuating a second trigger, or pushing a button, or depressing a footpedal, external to the hand-supportable housing, or by automaticallydetecting a particular condition along the aspiration channel of thedevice or elsewhere therein.

[0259] While the liposuction instruments described above have been shownto include four symmetrically arranged aspiration apertures, it may bedesired in particular applications to provide a cannula assembly havinginner and outer cannulas with one, two or three aspiration apertures,rather than four as shown in the illustrative embodiments.

[0260] In some applications it may be desired to provide a cannulaassembly having a pair of diametrically opposed aspiration apertures,and an outer cannula with a single aspiration aperture. The outercannula assembly can be adapted to be rotatable in one of two angularpositions about the inner cannula. In the first position, the singleaspiration aperture formed in the outer cannula is aligned inregistration with the first aspiration aperture along the inner cannula.When rotated into its second angular position, the single aspirationaperture of the outer cannula is aligned in registration with the secondaspiration aperture along the inner cannula. The surgeon can easilyswitch the outer cannula between its first and second angular positionsby rotating a small radially extending projection, adjacent thehand-holdable housing, in either a clockwise or counter-clockwisedirection to align the aspiration aperture on the outer cannula inregistration with the selected aspiration aperture on the inner cannula.This feature of the present invention provides the surgeon with theoption of changing which side of the distal end of the cannula assemblyis enabled to aspirate tissue during a liposuction procedure without thenecessity of removing, repositioning and reinserting the cannulaassembly within the housing. This technical feature can be used inconjunction with both electro-cauterizing as well as ultrasoniccauterizing functionalities of the present invention described above.When this aspiration aperture orientation control feature is provided ina liposuction instrument of the present invention having cauterizingelectrodes embedded about the aspiration aperture(s) of a plastic outercannula, an electrical communication mechanism can be embodied withinthe outer cannula the proximal portion thereof and its base portion sothat electrical connectivity can be achieved between the cauterizingelectrode on the outer cannula and its electrically conductive contactpad embedded within the base portion of the outer cannula.

[0261] As shown in FIGS. 15 through 19, the liposuction device of thepresent invention may be equipped with a monopolar-typeelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly, in contrast with the bipolardesigns shown and described in detail hereinabove. While themonopolar-type liposuction instrument of the present invention is shownembodied within the general design of FIGS. 1A through 1C, withappropriate modifications, it is understood that any of the alternativeembodiments shown and described hereinabove can be readily modified toprovide a monopolar-type electro-cauterizing cannula assembly inaccordance with the principles of the present invention

[0262] As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 15 and 16, theliposuction device 301 comprises an hand-holdable housing 302, adetachable cannula 303 with a monopolar electro-cauterizingelectrode(s), and a reciprocation mechanism 304 for causing the cannula303 to reciprocate relative to the housing. Cannula 303 of the presentinvention comprises an elongated tube 390 having an aspiration (i.e.suction) aperture 306 at its distal end and a base 307 operablyassociated with the proximal end of the tube 390. Preferably, cannulabase 307 has an outlet port 308 formed at its remote end, and a notch orrecess like structure 309 formed in its central most portion, as shown.As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, notch structure 309functions to releasably receive a terminal portion of theelectrically-conductive actuator element 312, in order to engagetherewith and thereby actuate reciprocation of cannula 303 withinhousing 302 during operation of the reciprocation mechanism 304. Inalternative embodiments of the present invention, the notch likestructure 309 can be realized in variety of different ways depending, ofcourse, on the structure of the actuator 312.

[0263] As shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, the shape of cannula base 307 ispreferably cylindrical and will match the bearing surfaces which guidethe cannula as it is caused to reciprocate within housing 302. Asillustrated, cannula 303 (303′) has a continuous passageway 310 whichextends from aspiration aperture 306 to outlet port 308 for transportingaspirated fat tissue through aperture 306 to a conventional vacuumsource (not shown). To achieve this function, the vacuum source isconnected to outlet port 308 using preferably optically transparent,semi-flexible tubing 311.

[0264] As shown, the gross geometry of the housing 302 is preferablythat of an ellipsoid, however, other geometries such as, for example, asa cylindrical structure, can be used in practicing the presentinvention. Housing 302 has a cannula cavity generally indicated byreference numeral 313, and has generally cylindrical bearing surfaces314 which match the outer bearing surface 315 of cannula 303, to permitsliding movement of cannula 303 within 313. While cylindrical bearingsurfaces have been selected in the preferred embodiment, the use ofother forms of bearing surfaces (e.g., rectangular or triangular) iscontemplated. To minimize friction, bearing surfaces 314 and 315 may becoated with a Teflon^(R) or functionally equivalent coating, tofacilitate easy sliding of cannula base 307 within cavity 313 with lowwear.

[0265] As illustrated in FIG. 17, housing 302 of the illustrativeembodiment is provided with a hinged cover 331. Hinged cover 331 allowscannula cavity 313 to be opened and accessed and cannula 303 to beselectively installed in and removed from housing cavity 313. Coverpanel 331 has a semi-circular cross-sectional geometry and is connectedto the remainder portion of the housing 302 by a conventional hingemeans 332. To secure cover panel 331 to the remainder of housing 302, areleasable locking means 333 is provided at the interface of hinge cover331 and the remainder portion of housing 302, as shown. Releasablelocking means 333 can be realized in a variety of ways, including, forexample, using a spring biased clamp element 334 which engages in anotch 335 formed in the external surface of the remainder portion of thehousing 302, as illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0266] In the case of the cannula assembly design of the firstillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the distal and proximalportions of the cannula 303 are made from an electrically conductivelumen material 350 having a non-conductive coating 352 (e.g. made fromTFE coating or outer plastic sheath) applied thereover. Preferably, thenon-conductive coating 352 disposed upon or applied over theelectrically-conductive cannula 303 forms a cauterizing electrode 356about on the inner edge walls of the aspiration aperture 306, as shownin FIG. 18.

[0267] The function of the aspiration aperture 306 is to ensure thataspirated fatty tissue is subject to an electrical potential difference(i.e. V1-V2) maintained between the cauterizing electrode and referenceground, which is sufficient to electro-cauterize fatty tissue as thesame is being aspirated through the aspiration aperture. In thisillustrative embodiment, the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 formedabout the outer edge of the aspiration aperture 306 is maintained atelectrical potential V1 by way of a first electrically conductivepathway realized along the cannula assembly, best illustrated in FIGS.18, 18A and 18B. As shown in these drawings, electrical contact plate358 can be embedded within the notch 309 formed in the base portion 307of the cannula assembly, while an electrically conductive post 354affixed to contact plate 358 establishes electrical contact with thedistal portion of the electrically conductive lumen 350. By virtue ofthe fact that the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 is realized from theconductive material of the electrically conductive lumen 350, which isin electrical contact with the electrical contact plate 358 viaelectrically-conductive post 354.

[0268] In the case of the cannula assembly design of FIG. 19, thecannula 303′ is made from an electrically non-conductive material (e.g.plastic) having an electro-cauterizing electrode 380 (realized in theform of any eyelet or like structure) mounted about each cannulaaspiration aperture 306 provided at the distal end of the cannula. Aswill be described in greater detail below, preferably the electrode 380is formed on the inner edge wall of the aspiration aperture and ismaintained at electrical potential V1 whereas the human patient ismaintained at electrical ground potential V2=0 Volts, so that, duringliposuction procedures, aspirated fatty tissue is subject to a potentialdifference (i.e. V1-V2), sufficient to electro-cauterize the fattytissue as it is being aspirated through the aspiration aperture 306. Asshown in FIG. 19, the same or modified electrical contact plate 358 ofFIG. 18A can be embedded within the notch 309 formed in the base portion307 of the cannula assembly 305′. As shown, the base portion of theelectrically conductive post 354 is maintained in electrical contactwith the electro-cauterizing electrode 380 by an electrical wire 354,embedded within the outer surface of the electrically non-conductivelumen 350′, and electrically connected thereto so as to maintain thesestructures at the same electrical potential.

[0269] As shown in FIG. 16 when either cannula assembly 305 or 305′ isproperly loaded within the hand-supportable housing 302 of theliposuction instrument of the present invention, theelectrically-conductive actuator 312 engages with the electrical contactplate 358 in notch 309 of the cannula base portion. In order to maintainthe electro-cauterizing electrode(s) provided along the distal portionof the cannula assembly (305 or 305′), electrical contact plate 358, towhich the electro-cauterizing electrodes are connected, must beelectrically connected to the output lead of a unipolar cautery unit 360which generates a radio-frequency (RF) power signal maintained atvoltage potential V1, referenced to electrical ground, V2, which is zerovolts. This electrical connection between the cautery unit 360 andembedded electrical contact 358 in the base portion of the cannulaassembly (305 or 305′) can be established using internal wiring 361which extends from electrically-conductive spring support plate 327 andpower jack 362 mounted within the wall of the housing. Such internalelectrical wiring can be embedded within the walls of hand-supportablehousing 302 or otherwise routed within the same. Notably, the actuator312, spring 326 and spring support plate 327 are each made from anelectrically conductive material so as to each be maintained atsubstantially the same electrical potential.

[0270] As shown in FIG. 16, a flexible shielded-type power cable 363 isused to electrically connect the power jack 362 on the liposuctioninstrument to the output power lead of the electro-cautery power supplyunit 360. By way of this arrangement, the electro-cauterizing electrode356 in the cannula assembly (305 or 305′) is maintained at a relativelyhigh electrical voltage V1, while the tissue of the patient to beaspirated is maintained at a substantially lower voltage V2 by virtue ofindifferent/defuse electrodes attached to the patient during aliposuction procedure conducted in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

[0271] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, thehand-supportable housing may not be provided with a hingedly connectedcover panel, as shown in FIG. 17, but rather the base portion of thecannula can be adapted to slide into the cannula cavity 313 and snap-fitinto the actuator 312 which may be realized using a spring-loaded ballor like structure, as taught in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments,the base portion of the cannula assembly and the actuator associatedwith the reciprocation mechanism may be realized in virtually any mannerthan enables slidable movement of the cannula relative to thehand-supportable housing, and supply of the electrical voltage V1 to theelectro-cauterizing electrode associated with the cannula, regardless ofwhether the electro-cauterizing electrode is realized using the methodsillustrated in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, or by any other means.

[0272] In general, a gas, air or electrically driven motor(s) can beused to realize the reciprocation mechanism 304 of present invention andthus effectuate reciprocation of cannula 303 within cannula cavity 313.In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 19, a gas drivenpiston-type motor is employed, although it is understood, that othertype of motor, including rotary and linear motors alike, can be used tothe realize reciprocation mechanism 304 of the liposuction instrument ofthe present invention.

[0273] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a piston-type motor 304 is mountedwithin a motor cavity 316 provided adjacent cannula cavity 313 ofhousing 302. In general, motor 304 comprises a chamber housing 317having a gas inlet port 318 and an inner chamber generally indicated byreference numeral 319. Slidably received within the inner chamber ofhousing 317 is a movable piston 320 having formed in its lowermost wall321, one or more gas outlet ports 322. Mounted to the top portion ofmovable piston 320 is actuation element 323, which projects through alongitudinally disposed slot 324 formed in the bearing wall 314 ofcannula cavity 313. Projection 312 of actuation element 323 through theslot 324, is received within notch 309 formed in cannula base 307 andoperably associates cannula 303 with motor 304.

[0274] As illustrated in FIG. 16, chamber housing 317 is fixedlydisposed within motor cavity 316. Motor cavity 316 is also provided withat least one port 325 for ventilating to the ambient environment, gasreleased from movable piston 320 upon reaching it maximum displacementor excursion. Movable piston 320 is biased in the direction of chamberhousing 317 by way of a spring biasing element 326. The compliance ofspring biasing element 326 can be adjusted by moving the position ofslidable wall 327 by rotating, for example, threaded element 328 passingthrough a portion 329 of the housing 302, as shown. With thisarrangement, adjustment of wall 327, closer to or farther from chamberhousing 317, results in decreasing or increasing, respectively, thecompliance of spring biasing means 326. This, in turn, provides asimple, yet reliable way in which to control the rate of reciprocationof movable piston 320, and thus the rate of reciprocation of cannula 303relative to housing 302.

[0275] The manner of operation of piston-type motor 304 is described asfollow. Gas, such as pressurized air of N₂ gas, is introduced underconstant pressure to inlet port 318 of chamber housing 317. As the gasfills up the volume enclosed by the interior walls of the movable pistonand the chamber, inner chamber 319 begins to expand, forcing movablepiston 320 upwardly against the biasing force of spring biasing element326. When movable piston 320 is displaced sufficiently enough fromchamber housing 317 so that gas within expanding chamber 319 can bereleased through gas exit port 325 to the ambient atmosphere, and piston320 will be forced back downwardly into chamber housing 317 at a rateinversely proportional to the compliance of spring biasing element 326.Subsequently, chamber 319 will again fill up with gas, piston 320 willagain be displaced and gas subsequently vented, whereupon reciprocatingdisplacement of piston 320 will be repeated again in a cyclical manner.Since movable piston 320 is operably connected with cannula base 307 byway of actuation element 323, this reciprocating movement of piston 320results in reciprocating movement of cannula 303 within cannula cavity313.

[0276] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the amount of excursion that thepiston is permitted to undergo before gas venting and subsequentdownward piston movement occurs, is determined by the distance “d”defined gas output port 322 and top wall surface 330 of chamber housing317. Typically, a cannula excursion distance of three inches, forexample, will necessitate that the parameter d, defined above, also beabout three inches.

[0277] To use the liposuction device 301 of the illustrative embodimentdescribed above with either cannula assembly 305 or 305′, the surgeoninserts either the cannula assembly shown in FIG. 18 or 19 into thecannula cavity of the hand-supportable housing 302 so that the actuator312, or other embodiment thereof, engages within the notch 309 or likestructure within the base portion of the cannula assembly, and securesthe cannula assembly within the hand-supportable housing, as shown, forexample in FIG. 16. An indifferent/defuse electrode 382 is applied tothe skin of the patient in a conventional manner, and theindifferent/diffuse electrode is then connected to the V2 terminal ofthe electro-cautery power supply unit 360. The surgeon then activatesthe air power supply to the instrument, as well as the electro-cauterypower supply unit 360. Then, while holding the housing within the graspof the surgeon's hand, the surgeon performs a liposuction procedure in anormal manner. During the procedure, the instrument effectuates periodicdisplacement of the general location of aspiration along the distal endof the cannula assembly, through the reciprocating movement of cannulawhile permitting electro-cauterization of aspirated tissue duringoperation of the liposuction device.

[0278] When performing a liposuction procedure using the cannulaassembly shown in FIG. 18, the tissue of the patient to be aspiratedthrough the aspiration aperture 356 is maintained at electrical groundpotential by way the indifferent/diffuse electrode 382. At the sametime, the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 is maintained in electricalcontact with the active output terminal of the unipolar cautery powerunit 360 by virtue of the electrical pathway established therebetweenand described in detail above. It is understood, however, that there area variety of different electrical paths that may be established tomaintain the electro-cauterizing electrode(s) 356 in electrical contactwith the output power terminal of the unipolar cautery power unit 360.Thus, during a liposuction procedure, the sample of tissue about to beaspirated through the aspiration aperture is maintained at a differencein electrical potential (i.e. at a voltage) equal to the electricalpotential of the active output power terminal V₂, referenced to zerovolts ground potential V₁. In practice, this voltage is sufficient toelectro-cauterize tissue during aspiration to prevent hemorrhaging andthe like to the patient, thereby improving the safety of the procedure.

[0279] The above-described mono-polar electro-cauterizing liposuctioninstrument can be modified in many ways. For example, the form factor ofthe hand-supportable housing may be realized in the form of the otherhand-supportable housing shown herein. Also, the means and way by whichthe electro-cauterizing cannula assembly physically and electricallyconnects to the actuator and thus the reciprocation mechanism within thehand-supportable housing may vary from embodiment to embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0280] In the illustrative embodiments of the present inventiondescribed above, the powered liposuction instrument employed either apneumatically-powered or an electrically powered reciprocation mechanismto drive the actuator engaging the inner cannula structure of theinstrument. In case of the illustrative embodiments of thepneumatically-powered liposuction instruments described above, controlover pressurized air flow streams, used to drive the motion of theactuator during instrument operation, is carried out onboard of thehand-supportable liposuction instrument. In alternative embodiments likethe ones shown in FIGS. 20A through 38B, and described in detailhereinafter, control over pressurized air-flow streams used to drive theliposuction instrument is carried out external to the hand-supportableinstrument, preferably within an external instrument control unit (i.e.instrument controller) having a control console that support variousinstrument control and display functions.

[0281] Air-Powered Liposuction Instrument System having an IntelligentInstrument Controller with an Electronically-Controlled Air-Flow ControlValve Assembly and RF Power Signal Input/Output Port

[0282] Referring to FIGS. 20A through 34, another illustrativeembodiment of a pneumatically-powered (i.e., air-powered) liposuctioninstrument system of the present invention 400 will be described indetail. As shown in FIG. 20A, the air-powered liposuction systemcomprises: a pneumatically-powered liposuction instrument 401; anintelligent instrument controller 402 provided with anelectronically-controlled air-flow control valve assembly 403 and an RFpower signal input/output port 404; an external pressurized air supplysource (i.e. generator) 405 for supplying a pressurized air flow streamto the electronically-controlled air-flow control valve assembly 403,and from which a pair of pressurized electronically-controlled air flowstreams 406A and 406B are generated within the instrument controller 402and supplied to a dual-port air cylinder (i.e. reciprocation mechanism)407 within the hand-supportable liposuction instrument 401 by way of adual air-flow tubing structure 408 (connected between the instrument andthe controller) so as to drive the actuator 409 within the instrumentand thus reciprocate the inner cannula structure 410 employed thereinduring power-assisted liposuction operations; an electrical wiring cable411 connected between the instrument 401 and the instrument controller402, to support the communication of low-voltage electrical control andmonitoring signals between the instrument 401 and the controller 402;and a RF power signal source (i.e. generator) 412, connected to the RFpower input signal port 404 on the instrument controller by way of ashort length of RF power signal cable 413, for generating and supplyinga RF power signal (of suitable frequency and power characteristics) tothe instrument controller 402 for electronically-controlled delivery ofthe generated RF power signal, from RF output port 422, to thehand-supportable liposuction instrument 401 by way of a longer-lengthflexible RF power signal cable structure 413 connected between the RFpower output port 404 on the instrument controller 402 and the RF powersignal input port 404 on the hand-supportable liposuction instrument401. During operation of this powered liposuction instrument system, theinner and outer cannulas of the powered liposuction instrument areautomatically reciprocated in response to a pair of electronicallycontrolled pressurized air flow streams generated within the instrumentcontroller and supplied to the opposite ends of the dual-portpressurized air cylinder 407 within the instrument, to thereby cause theactuator and this inner cannula within the instrument to reciprocate ata stroke length and rate manually selected by the surgeon manipulatingreciprocation stroke length and rate control switches 415 and 416mounted on the instrument housing.

[0283] As shown in FIGS. 27C and 30, the pair of electronicallycontrolled pressurized air flow streams 406A and 406B are used to powerthe reciprocation mechanism within the liposuction instrument. Thesepressurized air-flow streams are produced within the instrumentcontroller 402 by (i) automatically generating digital control signalsOP(8) through OP(11) from a programmed microprocessor 417 aboard theinstrument controller 402 running the control programs illustrated inFIGS. 31A through 33C, and (ii) supplying these digital control signalsOP(8) through OP(11) to the electronically-controlled air flow valveassembly 403 shown in FIG. 30, mounted aboard the instrument controller.Also, bipolar RF power signals 418 are (i) generated from external RFpower signal generator 412, (ii) controllably switched through theintelligent instrument controller 402, and (iii) ultimately supplied tothe bipolar terminals of the electro-cauterizing dual cannula assemblyof the instrument system 420. During instrument operation, these bipolarRF power signals are produced aboard the instrument controller by (i)generating digital control signal DAC(0) and (ii) supplying this digitalcontrol signal to a solenoid relay 421 aboard the instrument controller.When the solenoid relay 421 is switched, it commutes the RF power signalsupplied to RF power signal input port 404 to the RF power signal outputport 421, and is thus supplied to the electro-cautery cannula assemblyby way of flexible RF power signal cable construction 413, as shown inFIG. 20A.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 20D, the rear end of the powered liposuctioninstrument housing 423 supports a number of connectors (ports), namely:a pressurized dual air-power supply-line connector 424, for connectingone end of the dual air-flow tubing structure 425 to the instrument,while the other end thereof is connected to a matching connector mountedon the rear panel of the instrument controller; an electrical controlsignal connector 426 for connecting one end of electrical control signalcable 411 to the instrument, while the other end thereof is connected toa matching connector mounted on the rear panel of the instrumentcontroller; an RF power signal connector 427 for connecting one end ofthe flexible RF power signal cable 413 to the instrument, while theother end thereof is connected to a matching connector mounted on therear panel of the instrument controller 402; and a tissue-aspiratingtubing port 428, in communication with a cylindrical recess 429extending along the central longitudinal axis of the instrument housing423, for permitting the flexible aspiration tubing 430, connected to abarbed tube receiving structure 431 formed on the base portion of theinner cannula, to freely slide along the cylindrical recess duringcannula reciprocation operations.

[0285]FIGS. 21A and 21B show cross-sectional view of thehand-supportable liposuction instrument, and the various subcomponentscontained therein comprising the same. Notably, the dual-portair-cylinder structure 407 used to realize the cannula reciprocationmechanism is operably coupled to the base portion of the inner cannula410 by way of an actuator 409 having a carriage assembly 423. As shownin FIGS. 23A and 23B, actuator 409 is provided with a first recess 433for receiving the base portion 434 of the inner cannula in a snap-fitmanner, and also a second recess 435 for receiving the slidableelectrode 436 associated with the actuator position sensing device 437(i.e. slidable potentiometer) also in a snap-fit manner.

[0286] In this illustrative embodiment, the cannula reciprocation strokelength control switch (i.e. rotatable potentiometer) 415 is manipulatedby a knob or like structure 415′ located on the top surface of theinstrument, whereas the cannula reciprocation rate control mechanism 416is realized within the spring-biased hinged housing cover panel 439.These reciprocation mechanism controls will be described in greaterdetail hereinbelow.

[0287] As illustrated in FIG. 21C, the spring-biased hinged door panel439 is shown arranged in its open configuration so as to permit accessto and connection and/or disconnection of the flexible aspiration tubing430 on the end of the inner cannula (not shown). During typicalliposuction and other types of tissue aspiration operations carried outusing the liposuction instrument of the present invention, it isexpected that the surgeon will need to often change cannulas to performdifferent types of body sculpturing or contouring operations. To changecannulas, the surgeon will simply slide lever 432 to open thespring-biased door cover 439 and access the base portion of the innercannula to either connect or disconnect a length of flexible aspirationtubing 430, as the case may be. Thereafter, the surgeon simply snapshuts the hinged door cover 439 and resumes instrument operation.

[0288] As shown in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the length the inner cannula 410which is permitted to undergo during cannula reciprocation operations(i.e. termed cannula stroke length) is controlled by the surgeon duringinstrument operation by simply rotating the cannula reciprocation strokecontrol switch 415 with the surgeon's thumb, whereas the rate of cannulareciprocation is controlled by the surgeon depressing the spring-biasedcannula reciprocation rate control switch 416 operated by the surgeonsqueezing the spring-biased hinged cover panel 439 of the instrumenthousing.

[0289] As shown in FIG. 28A, the cannula reciprocation stroke lengthswitch (i.e., rotatable potentiometer 415) produces a control voltagewhich is transmitted to the programmed microprocessor 417 within theinstrument controller by way of the electrical control signal cable 411.As shown in FIG. 28A, the cannula reciprocation rate control switch 416(i.e., realized using flexible potentiometer 440) produces a controlvoltage (upon physical bending or deformation) which is transmitted tothe programmed microprocessor 417, also by way of electrical controlsignal cable 411. The flexible potentiometer 440 used to implement thecannula reciprocation rate control switch 416 can be realized using avariable resistor such as a plastic conductor whose resistance variesupon bending, made by Spectra Symbols, Inc. In FIG. 21F, this flexiblepotentiometer is shown unflexed (i.e. deformed) with the hingedspring-biased door panel 439 shown arranged in its closed configurationat its “zero” cannula rate control position. In FIG. 21G, the flexiblepotentiometer 440 is shown unflexed (i.e. deformed) with the hingedspring-biased door panel 439 shown arranged in its closed configurationat its “maximum” cannula rate control position. As shown in FIG. 21E, aspring 442 is used to bias the hinged cover door panel 439. As shown inFIGS. 21F and 21G, this spring applies a biasing force against thehinged cover panel 439 when the panel is arranged in its closedconfiguration and slidable switch 432 is arranged in its door lockedconfiguration.

[0290] In FIGS. 22A and 22B, left and right instrument housing halves423A and 423B are shown in a dissembled configuration with allcomponents removed therefrom. Notably, each housing half has variousrecesses formed to securely receive particular subcomponents of theinstrument and maintain the same in strict alignment upon instrumentassembly and operation. Preferably, these housing halves are made fromlightweight injected-molded plastic material that can be suitablyautoclaved in a conventional manner.

[0291] In FIG. 23A, the dual-port air-cylinder structure 407 (e.g.,realized as rodless Bimba UG-00704000-B cylinder) is shown arranged inassociation with its inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer437, while this assembly is removed entirely from the instrumenthousing. As shown in FIG. 23B, the base portion of the inner cannula isshown locked within the first recess 434 formed in the carriagestructure of the actuator 409, whereas the slidable electrode 433 of theactuator position sensor 437 is adapted for snap-fit receipt in thesecond recess 435 in the actuator carriage structure 409. In theillustrative embodiment, the actuator position sensing transducer 437 isrealized as a slidable linear potentiometer (e.g. as Bourne53AAA-C20-E13 linear potentiometer) mounted within the instrumenthousing, as shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21D, with its slidable electrode(i.e. contact) 433 received in the second recess of the actuatorcarriage 435.

[0292] In the illustrative embodiment, the air-cylinder basedreciprocation mechanism 407 comprises a tube 407A mounted within asupport 407B, and having end air-ports 407C, 407D, and a slidableinternally-arranged wall 407E that is magnetically coupled to anexternal block 407F which is fastened to the actuator 409 by a set ofscrews or like fastening mechanism. As the cylinder wall 407E is pushedback and forth with tube 407A, under the pressure of air flow streams406A, 406B delivered to air-ports 407C, 407D by theelectronically-controlled air-flow control valve 403 within theinstrument controller 402, the actuator reciprocates.

[0293] In FIG. 23C, the electrical subassembly 445 employed in thepowered liposuction instrument 401 is shown removed from itshand-supportable housing. As shown in FIG. 23C, electrical subassembly445 comprises an assemblage of subcomponents, namely: inner actuatorposition sensing transducer 433 (removed from carriage structure of thecannula actuator); cannula reciprocation stroke control switch (i.e.potentiometer) 415; cannula reciprocation rate control switch (i.e.flexible potentiometer) 440; electrical connector 446 mounted within therear end of the instrument housing and connected to the electricalcontrol signal connector 426 described above; and an electrical wiringharness 447 connecting the above electrical components into anelectrical circuit specified in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 30A.

[0294] In FIGS. 25A through 26C, a bipolar electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly 420 is shown for use with the pneumatically-poweredliposuction instrument shown in FIGS. 20A and 35A, and other liposuctioninstruments described through the present Patent Specification. Asshown, dual cannula assembly 420 comprises: stationary outer cannulastructure 450 having one or more elongated outer aspiration apertures451, with a base portion 452 adapted to releasable connection to thefront end portion of the hand-supportable instrument housing; and aninner cannula structure 410, slidably received within the stationaryouter cannula 450, having one or more inner aspiration apertures 453 inregistration with the outer aspiration aspiration apertures 452, and abase portion 431 adapted for snap-fit receipt within the first recess433 of the carriage portion of the inner cannula actuator 409, describedin detail above. The inner cannula 410, detailed in FIGS. 26A through26C, also has an outlet port 455 formed at its base portion, and is incommunication with the inner and outer aspiration apertures foraspiration of tissue during instrument operation. The dual cannulaassembly shown in FIGS. 24A through 24B also includes a pair of firstand second electro-cauterizing electrodes 456A, 456B realized about theinner and outer aspiration apertures 452 and 451 in order to realizebipolar cauterizing electrodes in proximity with the reciprocatingaspiration aperture of the dual cannula assembly, as described in detailhereinabove in connection with other illustrative embodiments disclosedherein. All of these teaching are incorporated herein by reference andapplicable to the powered liposuction instrument systems shown in FIGS.20A, 35A, 35B, and 40A.

[0295] The Intelligent Instrument Controller of the Present Inventionhaving an Electronically-Controlled Air-Flow Control Valve Assembly,Air-Supply Input/Output Ports and RF Power Signal Input/Output Ports

[0296] As best shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the intelligent instrumentcontroller 402 shown in FIGS. 20A, 27A, 27B, 27C, and 35C comprises: anassembly of components, namely: a housing 430 of compact construction,supporting a pair of air-supply input/output ports 405A and 405B withsuitable connectors, a pair of RF power signal input/output ports 404Aand 404B with suitable connectors, an input/output electrical controlsignal port 406 with one or more suitable connectors, and a 24 Volt DCpower input supply line 465; a printed circuit (PC) board 466 shown inFIG. 28B supporting the electrical circuits specified in the schematicdiagram of FIGS. 29A and 29B, including a programmed applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) 467 functioning as digital signalprocessor 417 adapted to run various computer programs, including thethree BASIC-language expressed computer control programs entitledRECIPROCATE, ANALOG and SCALE set forth in FIGS. 31A through 33C; anelectronically servo-controlled air-flow control valve assembly 403specified in FIG. 30, and realized by mounting four digitallyservo-controlled air valves (AFV1 through AFV4) 403A, 403B, 403C and403D, respectively, within an air flow manifold structure 403E having anair-flow input port 403F (connected to input air-flow supply port oncontroller housing), a left air-flow output port 403G (connected to theleft end of the dual-port air cylinder 407 in the liposuctioninstrument), a right air-flow output port 403H (connected to the rightend of the dual-port air cylinder 407 in the liposuction instrument), aleft air-flow exhaust port 4031 venting to the ambient atmosphere, and aright air-flow exhaust port 403J venting to the ambient atmosphere, soas to control air-flow valves (AFV1 through AFV4) arranged alongair-flow manifold 403E; and an easy-to-read/operate user control consolepanel 468 comprising (i) four membrane type switches 469, 470, 471 and472 for selecting a desired cannula stroke length dimension (i.e. inchesor centimeters) for measurement and display and for enabling anddisabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) six LED indicators473, 474, 475, 476, 477 and 478 for indicating power ON/OFF functionselection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, (iii) a pair ofLCD-based display panels 479 and 480 for displaying bar graphindications of inner cannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) andinner cannula position measured by the cannula position sensor mountedwithin the hand-supportable liposuction instrument, and (iv) a LCD-basedpanel 481, connected to the serial data port of the digital signalprocessor 417, for displaying measured numerical values for theinstantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannula and theinstantaneous stroke length thereof.

[0297] As shown in FIG. 27B, the bar graphs displayed on LCD panels 479and 480 offer instantaneous display of the relative position of theinner cannula stroke length rate of inner cannula reciprocation at alltimes. The LCD panel 481 arranged within the central portion of theconsole panel 468 offers a more precise digital readout of cannulareciprocation rate and cannula stroke length as well as alertconditions. Notably, cannula stroke length may be displayed incentimeter or inch units by selecting the corresponding membrane switch469 or 470, respectively.

[0298] During system operation, the instrument controller 401 receivesan input of pressurized gas (from any of the convenient sources 405available in operating room settings such as tanked nitrogen gas) atinput air flow input port 403F, and generates a pair of pressurizedair-flow streams 406A and 406B for supply to the left and right ends(407C, 407D) of the dual-port cylinder 407 employed in reciprocationmechanism of the instrument. These pressurized air-flow streams aregenerated under the control of digital control signals OP(8) throughOP(11) produced by ASIC 480 functioning as a digital signal processor(DSP) 417 and also analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 482 anddigital-to-analog converter (DAC) 483. The DSP controls the fourair-flow control valves 403A through 403D in a cyclical manner toinstantaneously vary the cannula reciprocation rate and stroke length inresponse to the surgeon's adjustment of the cannula stroke controlswitch (i.e. spring-biased panel door) and reciprocation rate settingsonthe hand-supported instrument housing. The firmness with which theactuator 409 ends each stroke is moderately cushioned by the defaultfactory setting (by adjusting external potentiometer 484 in FIG. 21A)but may be increased or decreased in response to surgeon's preference bytrained manufacturer's representatives.

[0299]FIG. 28A presents a hybrid electrical and mechanical schematicrepresentation of the powered liposuction instrument system of thepresent invention. As shown, analog voltage input signals are generatedfrom the stroke, position and rate potentiometers 415, 437 and 440aboard the powered liposuction instrument and supplied as analog inputvoltage signals to the A/D conversion circuit (ADC) of the ASIC 480 forprocessing. In response, the DSP 417, running the control programsspecified in FIGS. 31A through 33C, automatically generates: (i) digitalvoltage output control signals OP(8) through OP(11) which are thensupplied as output voltage signals to the air-control valve assembly 403within the intelligent instrument controller 402, so as to generate thepair of pressurized air-supply streams 406A and 406B that are suppliedto the liposuction instrument 401; and (ii) a digital control voltageoutput signal which is converted to an analog control voltage signal byDAC 483, and then supplied to the control input port of the external RFsignal source (i.e. generator) 412. In turn, RF signal generator 412generates an RF power signal and supplies the same to the intelligentinstrument controller for controlled delivery to the dual cannulaassembly of the powered liposuction instrument via its RF power signalcable structure. The membrane switches 469 and 470 on the controlconsole of the instrument controller enable the surgeon to displayselected cannula stroke in centimeters or inches, respectively, on LCDpanel 481. Cannula reciprocation rate is automatically displayed on LCDpanel 479 in cycles per minute (CPM), alongside cannula stroke length(in centimeters or inches) displayed on LCD panel 480. The membraneswitches 471 and 472 on the control console enable the surgeon to enableand disable bipolar electro-cauterization, respectively.

[0300]FIG. 28B sets forth a schematic layout of the components (e.g.ASIC 480) used on the prototype printed circuit (PC) board 466 withinthe intelligent instrument controller schematically described in FIG.28A. The electrical components appearing on this board are shown in theschematic diagram set forth in FIGS. 29A and 29B.

[0301]FIGS. 29A and 29B, taken together, set forth an electricalschematic diagram of the analog and digital circuitry realized on thesole PC board 466 shown in FIG. 28 and mounted within the intelligentinstrument controller.

[0302] As shown in FIG. 30, the servo controlled air-flow valve assemblyof the present invention enable the reliable control of three basickinds of pressurized air-flow streams between the liposuction instrument401 and its instrument controller 402, namely: (i) the flow ofpressurized air from the central air-flow input port 403F to either theleft air-flow input/output port 403G or right air-flow input/output port403H; (ii) the flow of pressurized air from the left air-flowinput/output port 403F to the left air-flow exhaust port 4031; and (iii)the flow of pressurized air from the right air-flow input/output port403F to the right air-flow exhaust port 403J. In general, control of theair-powered cannula reciprocation mechanism within the instrument iscarried out by the programmed DSP 417, in a manner independent of theelectro-cauterizing functionality of the system.

[0303] As shown in FIGS. 31A through 31D, the primary control programentitled RECIPROCATE is run on the DSP 480 within the instrumentcontroller. In the illustrative embodiment, this control programfunctions as the primary control thread calling programs ANALOG andSCALE, as second and third control threads running within the firstcontrol thread.

[0304] As indicated at Block A in FIG. 31A, under the caption“Initialize”, the control program RECIPROCATE launches the subprogramANALOG to read potentiometer inputs 415, 437 and 440 corresponding tothe desired stroke, position, rate and cushion settings on theinstrument, and then the program RECIPROCATE calls the subprogram SCALEto scale these variables. When either the stroke control knob 415 isturned to zero, or the trigger 439 is released, the software programRECPIROCATE positions and locks the inner cannula 410 in the forwardposition and turns the reciprocation “off” so that the inner cannula maybe changed or removed from the hand-supportable housing. The programRECIPROCATE then reads the control console keypads 469-472 and controlsits LEDs 473-478 to default settings. Then the program resides in its“attention state” until it is engaged into its “reciprocation state” bythe surgeon moving the cannula stroke and rate controls 415 or 440 tonon-zero positions.

[0305] As indicated at the extended block of code indicated as Block Bin FIGS. 31A-31C, under the caption “reciprocation”, the softwareRECIPROCATE checks to determine that both the cannula stroke and ratecontrols are moved to non-zero values by the surgeon/operator, and ifso, then controls the LCD panels and LEDs accordingly, and then checksto determine if the electro-cautery option has been selected. If so, theRECIPROCATION program drives the electro-cautery solenoid relay 421.

[0306] As indicated at Block B1 in FIG. 31C, the RECIPROCATION programthereafter drives the inner cannula in its “backstroke” direction bygenerating the sequence of digital control signals OP(10,0), OP(11,1),OP(8,0), OP(9,1). As indicated at Block B2, the RECIPROCATION programsets a cushion-back control over the movement of the inner cannula inthe backstroke direction (achieved by clamping the exhaust valve to slowdown air exhaust and permit compression of air within the cylinder inthe back-stroke direction).

[0307] As indicated at Block B2, this cushion-back control is dependentupon a “test-stroke” routine, in which the RECIPROCATION program testswhether the inner cannula stroke control has been set by thesurgeon/operator equal to or below a predetermined “short” strokeposition. In the event that the stroke control value has been set equalto or below the predetermined short stroke position, then theRECIPROCATION program skips setting cushion-back control, and sets atimer, during which the inner cannula is permitted to travel to itspredetermined backstroke position before being automatically driven inthe return stroke direction to its forward home position, and such innercannula reciprocation operations repeated in a cyclical manner. Then,secondly, the RECIPROCATION program checks to determine whether or notthe inner cannula reaches its target stroke position, as specified bythe cannula stroke control manually set by the surgeon. If the innercannula reaches it target stroke position, then the RECIPROCATIONprogram checks advances to the “return stroke” routine set forth atBlock B3. If the timer lapses before the inner cannula reaches it targetstroke position, then the RECIPROCATION program checks advances to the“return stroke” routine set forth at Block B3.

[0308] As indicated at Block B3 in FIG. 31D, the return-stroke routineinvolves the RECIPROCATION program driving the inner cannula in its“return stroke” direction by generating the sequence of digital controlsignals OP(9,0), OP(8,1), OP(11,0), OP(10,1).

[0309] As indicated at Block B4 in FIG. 31D, the RECIPROCATION programsets a cushion-front control over the movement of the inner cannula inthe return-stroke direction (achieved by clamping the other exhaustvalve to slow down air exhaust and permit compression of air within thecylinder in the return-stroke direction).

[0310] At Block B4, this cushion-front control is dependent upon a“test-home” routine set forth at Block B5 in FIG. 31E. The RECIPROCATIONprogram sets another predetermined time period and determines whetherthe inner cannula reaches the stroke position manually set by thesurgeon/operator using the inner cannula stroke control switch 415′within the predetermined time period. Also, a check is set up at BlockB6 in FIG. 31E to determine that control threads ANALOG and SCALE arerunning. In the event that the inner cannula reaches the stroke positionmanually set by the surgeon/operator within the predetermined timeperiod, then the inner cannula is automatically driven in the backstroke direction, and such inner cannula reciprocation operationsrepeated in a cyclical manner. If the inner cannula does not reach ittarget stroke position during the predetermined time period, then theRECIPROCATION program repeats the reciprocation loop. Only in the eventof catastrophic failure or operation does the RECIPROCATION programenter the “loop exit” routine where the cylinders are automaticallyvented and the control thread for ANALOG and SCALE subroutines.

[0311] As shown at Block A1 in FIG. 32A, the ANALOG subprogram firstinitializes the “Global Variables” used by the subprogram. At Block A2,the ANALOG subprogram initializes the “Local Variables” used by thesubprogram. Then at Block C, the analog program gets instrumentfeedback.

[0312] At Block C in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG measures the rangeof the rate control switch flexible potentiometer 440.

[0313] At Block D in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG reads the cannulastroke and rate control switches 415 and 440 to confirm that the bothcontrols are set to non-zero values. Then at Block E, the subprogramANALOG reads the cannula position transducer (i.e. analog positionencoder) and analyzes the sensed position value against the lastposition value so as to determine whether or not the inner cannula ismoving or is stationary. At Block F, the subprogram ANALOG stores thepresent cannula position value in memory for use in comparisonoperations performed during the next control loop in the programRECIPROCATE. Then, at Block G, the subprogram ANALOG determines whether(i) both the cannula stroke and rate control values are non-zero, and(ii) the inner cannula is moving, and if these two conditions hold, thenthe variable VR(9) is set to 1; otherwise VR(9)=0.

[0314] At Block H in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG determines whetherthe surgeon/operator has selected the electro-cautery option, bydepressing the corresponding control pad on the control console 468, andif so, then sets the variable VR(10) to 1, and 0 if no electro-cauteryis desired.

[0315] Then at Block 1 in FIG. 32C, the subprogram ANALOG checks ifelectro-cautery has been selected, and if so then sets the enableelectro-cautery variable VR(11) to 1, and to 0 if this option has notbeen selected. At Block J, the subprogram reads the control pads todetermine if the stroke position has been changed to centimeters, and ifso, then sets the variable VR(12) to 1, or to 0 if units should be indefault units of measurement (i.e. inches).

[0316] As shown at Block A in FIG. 33A, the SCALE subprogram firstinitializes the “Global Variables” used by the subprogram. Then, atBlock A1, the SCALE subprogram initializes the “Local Variables” used bythe subprogram. At Blocks B1 through B3 in FIG. 33B, the subprogramSCALE takes analog input voltages from the ANALOG subprogram andconverts them into corresponding digital voltage values for use by theprogram ANALOG. At Block C in FIGS. 33B and 33C, the subprogram SCALEassigns instrument parameters such as rate-delay, stroke-length, andstroke-time to variables computed in accordance with formulas set forthin the SCALE subprogram. Notably, the constants C₁ through C₈ used inthese formulas (set forth at Block B3) can be empirically determined inthe laboratory without undue experimentation, and will be dependent onthe technology used to implement the instruments and systems of thepresent invention. Blocks D, E and F in FIGS. 33C are provided to ensurea reliable system design.

[0317] In FIG. 34, a high-level flow chart of the electro-cauterycontrol process of the present invention is shown. While this controlprocess is embodied within the control process carried out by theprograms RECIPROCATION, ANALOG and SCALE, described above, this controlprocess is summarized in the flow chart of FIG. 34.

[0318] As indicated at Block A in FIG. 34, the control processdetermines that the electro-cautery option has been selected by thesurgeon on the control console. If not, then the control thread advancesto Block B where the cautery is disabled before returning to the top ofthe control thread (Start). If the electro-cautery option has beenselected, then the control process advances to Block C where itdetermines that the cannula stroke and rate controls are non-zero. Ifnot, then the control flow returns to Block B where electro-cautery isdisabled. If the cannula stroke and rate controls are non-zero, then thecontrol flow advances to Block D where it determines whether the innercannula is moving, as determined by its motion sensing apparatus. Ifnot, then the control process returns to Block B where electo-cautery isdisabled. If the inner cannula is moving, then the control processadvances to Block E where the electro-cautery is enabled before thecontrol process returns to the beginning of the control loop. Thisprocess is repeated in a cyclical manner. In the event that the surgeonmanually switches either the cannula stroke length or rate to zerovalue, or the cannula stops moving, then automatically the controlprocess of the present invention will automatically disable theelectro-cautery function of the power-assisted liposuction instrument ofthe present invention.

[0319] In summary, the RECIPROCATION program drives the inner cannulaback and forth within the hand-supportable instrument by generating“backstroke” and “return stroke” digital control signals which aresupplied to the electronically-controlled multi-value air-flow assembly403. When being driven in the backstroke direction, the RECIPROCATIONprogram automatically checks to determine whether or not the surgeon hasmanually selected a “shortstroke” value (determined against apredetermined reference), and if so, avoids setting up a cushioningcontrol in the backstroke direction. When being driven in thereturn-stroke direction, the RECIPROCATION program automatically checksto determine whether or not the inner cannula has traveled, during thepredetermined time period, to the cannula stroke position value set bythe surgeon/operator, and if so, automatically generates the appropriatedigital control signals for the return stroke operation. Forelectro-cautery option to be enabled, the RECIPROCATION program mustdetect non-zero values set for the cannula stroke-length and ratecontrols, as well as detect that the inner cannula is in fact movingwithin the stationary outer cannula. If one of these conditions is notsatisfied, then automatically the instrument controller disables theelectro-cautery function of the instrument system.

[0320] Air-Powered Liposuction Instrument System having a Multi-CoreCable Construction and an Intelligent Instrument Controller with anElectronically-Controlled Air-Flow Control Valve Assembly and RF PowerSignal Input/Output Port

[0321] In FIG. 35A, there is shown another illustrative embodiment ofthe powered liposuction instrument system of the present invention 500,comprising: an intelligent instrument controller 402′ as generally shownin FIGS. 27A through 34 and described above, and having a multi-coreconnector assembly 501, as shown in FIGS. 36B through 36E, forconnecting to the air supply lines, electrical control lines and RFpower supply lines within the instrument controller 402′; ahand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument 401′, as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 20A through 20C and described above, and having anelectro-cauterizing dual-cannula assembly 420 as shown in FIGS. 24Athrough 26C, and a multi-core connector assembly 501B as shown in FIGS.36B through 36E for connecting to the air supply lines, electricalcontrol lines and RF power supply lines within the hand-supportableinstrument 401′; and a flexible multi-core cable construction 502 shownin FIGS. 36A through 36H, including first and second multi-coreconnector plugs 503A, 503B, multi-core cable 504, rubber shroud covers505, assembled for interconnecting multi-core connector assemblies 501Aand 501B and thus establishing communication between the correspondingthe air-supply lines, the electrical control lines and the RF-powersupply lines within the instrument 401′ and its system controller 402′.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 36B, each multi-core connector assembly 501A,501B comprises: a plastic housing 506 having a cylindrical mountingportion 507 designed to be received within a mated portion of thehand-supportable housing of instrument 401′, or the instrument systemcontroller 402′, as the case may be, and also a cylindrical recess 508for receiving the cylindrical end portion of a quick-connect multi-coreplug 503, as shown; a pin connector 509 mounted within the housing forconnecting to the electrical control lines and RF power supply lineswithin the hand-supportable instrument (or the instrument controller asthe case may be), and also for receiving the electrical control and RFpower supply pins on the quick-connect multi-core plug 503; a pair ofair-flow ports 510A, 510B mounted within the housing for connecting tothe pair of air flow tubes within the instrument connected to the endsof the air cylinder supported therein (or within the instrumentcontroller connected to the digitally-controlled multi-port valveassembly), and also for receiving the air-flow ports on thequick-connect multi-core plug 503 mated thereto; and a spring-loadedconnector release button 511 mounted within the housing 506, forreleasably engaging the mated quick-connect and release of themulti-core plug 503. FIG. 36C shows the multi-core connector assembly501 from different perspectives. FIG. 36D shows the cylindrical mountingportion 507 of the housing of the multi-core connector assembly 501.FIG. 36E shows the cylindrical recess 508 of the housing of themulti-core connector assembly 504.

[0323] The Multi-Core Cable Construction of the Present Invention

[0324] As shown in FIG. 36A, the multi-core cable construction of thepresent invention 502 comprises: a pair of quick-connect multi-coreplugs 503 and 503 adapted to receive the three (3) different portsformed within the multi-core connector assembly 501A, 501B installedwithin the instrument 401′ and instrument controller 402′ (as the casemay be); and flexible length of multi-core cable 504 carrying electricalcontrol wires, RF power wires and air-supply lines connected to therespective ports of the quick-connect multi-core plugs 503A and 503B.

[0325] As shown in FIG. 36F, each quick-connect multi-core plug 503comprises: a plastic housing 513 having the cylindrical end portion 514designed for insertion within the cylindrical recess 508 of themulti-port connector assembly 501; a pin connector 515 mounted withinthe housing for connecting to the pin connector 509 mounted within themulti-port connector assembly 501; a pair of air-flow port connectors516A an 516B mounted within the connector housing 513 for connecting tothe pair of air flow ports 516A, 516B; a cylindrical portion 518supporting pin connector within the housing for connecting to theelectrical control and RF power wires associated with the multi-corecable construction 504, and air-flow port connectors 516A, 516B forreceiving the terminal portions of air tubing sections associated withthe multi-core cable construction 504; and plastic shroud cover 505 forcovering the interface of the multi-core plug and multi-core cableconstruction 502, to seal off these connection interfaces from dirt, andother forms of debris.

[0326] The intelligent instrument controller 402′ shown in FIGS. 37A and37B is essentially the same as the system controller 402 shown in FIGS.27A and 27B, except that a multi-core connector assembly 501 is mountedwithin the rear portion of the controller housing to provide connectionsto pressurized air-flow supplies, electrical control signaling and RFpower supply signaling.

[0327]FIG. 38 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the connectionsbetween the components of the powered liposuction system shown in FIGS.35A and 35B. Analog input voltages are indicated by AIN( ), whereasdigital input signals (from the control console) are indicated by IN( ),and digital output signals are indicated by OP( ). The wiringconnections from within the hand-supportable instrument to themulti-core connector assembly 501 are indicated in FIG. 38.

[0328] As illustrated in FIG. 38, instrument system 500 the intelligentinstrument controller 402′ further includes a second A/D converter 520and a second DSP 521 which enables the system to measure and analyze theinner cannula stroke position and rate and, on a real-time basis,generate control signals which are used to control the RF power signalsource 522, either realized within the instrument controller or externalthereto, as described above. These RF control signals can be used tocontrol the frequency, temporal and/or power characteristic of the RFpower signal used to drive the electro-cauterizing cannula assemblyemployed by the instrument. In the event the RF power module is to beprovided internal to the controller, proper RF shielding measures shouldbe undertaken in a manner known in the art.

[0329] Alternative Embodiments of the Power-Assisted Tissue RemovalInstrument System of the Present Invention

[0330]FIG. 39 shows an alternative embodiment of the air-poweredliposuction instrument of FIGS. 35A through 35C, wherein thehand-supportable housing is designed to permit the aspiration tubing 430to exit out of a port 530 formed along the side of the housing, towardsits rear end. While there appear to be few, if any, advantages to thisdesign over the preferred designs disclosed herein, it is believed thatsome surgeons may prefer that the aspiration tubing exits from the sideof the instrument housing, rather from the rear end along thelongitudinal axis of the instrument. In all other respects, thisinstrument system would be similar to that shown in FIGS. 35A through35C and this incorporates the features thereof.

[0331] In FIGS. 40A and 40B, there is shown an alternative embodiment ofthe air-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention 600,wherein a curved electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly 420′ isemployed. As shown, the curved outer cannula 450 is rigid while theinner cannula 410′ is made from a flexible material such as flexibleresilient medical grade plastic material or the like. FIG. 40B shows howthe inner cannula flexibly adapts to the rigid curved geometry of theouter cannula structure. In all other respects, this electro-cauterizingtissue-aspiration instrument system is similar to the system disclosedin FIGS. 35A through 35C and embodies all of the same features. Thealternative cannula design is expected to have advantages when used toaspirate tissue from within various cavities of the human body.

[0332] In FIGS. 41A and 41B, there is shown an alternative bipolar-typeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use with the poweredliposuction instruments of the present invention. As shown, this cannulaassembly 420″ comprises: an electrically conductive (e.g. metal) outercannula 450″ for releasably mounting within the hand-supportable housingof a powered liposuction instrument; and a molded or extruded plasticinner cannula 410″ for slidable support with the outer cannula andreciprocation by the actuator 409. In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 41Aand 41B, the plastic (non-conductive) inner cannula 410″ has a fineelectrically conductive wire 560 molded within the walls thereof whichterminate in an electrically conductive ring 561 about the aspirationaperture of the inner cannula. The purpose of this structure is toconduct RF power signals from the base portion of the plastic innercannula to the electrically-conductive ring during powered liposuctionand other tissue aspiration operations. In this dual cannula assembly,the outer cannula could be made from electrically-conductive material.

[0333] In FIG. 42, there is shown an alternative electro-cauterizingdual cannula assembly 570 for use in the powered liposuction instrumentsof the present invention. In this alternative embodiment, a stream ofirrigation fluid 571 is pumped from the base portion of the outercannula 572 to the distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluidconduit formed along the surface walls of the outer cannula, and isreleased into the interior distal portion of the outer cannula through asmall opening 572 formed therein, for infiltration and irrigation oftissue during aspiration in order to facilitate pump action. Thiscannula design will be useful in tissue-aspiration applications in whichirrigation fluid is required or desired.

[0334] In FIG. 43A, there is shown another alternative design for anelectro-cauterizing powered liposuction instrument of the presentinvention, indicated by referencee numeral 700. In this illustrativeembodiment, the inner cannula 410′ is loaded through an inner cannulaloading port 701 provided at the rear of the instrument housing, andthereafter is snap-fitted into position within recess 702 in thecarriage portion 703 of the air-powered actuator structure 704 installedtherein. During such inner cannula loading operations, the outer cannula420 should be first connected to the front portion of thehand-supportable housing, and then the actuator structure 704 retractedto the rear portion of the hand-supportable housing. Then, the distalportion of the inner cannula 410′ would be inserted first through thecannula loading port 701, and then its base portion 705 snap-fittedwithin recess 703 in the actuator carriage 703. Thereafter, a length ofaspirating tubing can be connected to the barbed end 706 of the cannulabase portion 705 by a push-inwardly type of action. Alternatively, theaspirating tube can be first connected to the base portion of the innercannula, and then the inner cannula/tubing subassembly loaded into theinner cannula loading port of the instrument. An advantage offered bythis rear-loading instrument design 700 is that it is possible toeliminate the need to open the hinged door panel each and every time thesurgeon desires to change cannulas during surgical operations, andpossibly even eliminate the hinged door panel entirely, in particularinstrument designs.

[0335] Notably, the electronically-controlled air-powered cannulareciprocation subsystem, intelligent instrument controller, andmultilayer cable subsystem disclosed in connection with the illustrativeembodiment of FIGS. 20A through 40B, can also be used in single cannuladesigns as taught in FIGS. 15-19, incorporated herein by reference.

[0336] While the particular embodiments shown and described above haveproven to be useful in many applications in the liposuction art, furthermodifications of the present invention disclosed herein will occur topersons skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Allsuch modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem, comprising: a powered liposuction instrument having ahand-supportable housing, and a dual cannula assembly, wherein an innercannula is automatically reciprocated within a stationary outer cannulaby electronically controlling the flow of pressurized air streams withina dual-port pressurized air cylinder supported within saidhand-supportable housing.
 2. The air-powered tissue-aspirationinstrument system of claim 1, wherein digital electronic control signalsare generated within an instrument controller unit and these controlsignals are used to generate a pair of pressurized air streams withinthe instrument controller which are then supplied to opposite ends ofthe dual-port pressurized air cylinder within the powered instrument. 3.The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 1, whereinthe rear end of the powered liposuction instrument has a pressurizedair-power supply-line connector, an electrical control signal connector,an RF power signal connector, and a tissue-aspirating tubing port. 4.The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 1, whereinthe front end of the powered instrument supports an electro-cauterizingdual-cannula assembly releasably connected thereto.
 5. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 1, wherein the poweredinstrument has a hinged door panel that can be arranged in an openconfiguration so as to simply install the electro-cauterizing cannulaassembly and connect the aspiration tubing thereto.
 6. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 1, wherein a hingedspring-biased door panel is provided for controlling the rate ofreciprocation of the inner cannula.
 7. The air-powered tissue-aspirationinstrument system of claim 1, wherein the maximum rate of cannulareciprocation is achieved when the hinged spring-biased door panel ismanually depressed its maximum amount.
 8. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 1, wherein a dual-portair-cylinder is arranged within a hand-supportable housing, in operableassociation with an inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer,for measuring the instantaneous stroke position of the inner cannuladuring reciprocation operations.
 9. The air-powered tissue-aspirationinstrument system of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the innercannula is releasably locked within the a first recess of the carriageportion of the inner cannula actuator and wherein the inner cannulaactuator is mounted to a block that is magnetically coupled to thepiston within the dual-port air cylinder structure, and wherein theslidable wiper of the actuator position sensing transducer is mountedwithin a second recess of the carriage portion of the inner cannulaactuator.
 10. The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system ofclaim 1, wherein a cannula reciprocation stroke control switch ismounted on the hand-supportable housing of the instrument for operationby the surgeon's thumb, whereas the cannula reciprocation rate controlswitch is realized using a flexible potentiometer that is deformed uponthe surgeon squeezing a spring-biased hinged door panel provided on theinstrument housing.
 11. The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem of claim 1, wherein an intelligent instrument controller (i.e.control unit) is used to supply air-power to the inner cannulareciprocation mechanism within the hand-supportable instrument, and RFpower to its electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, while communicatingcontrol signals between the instrument and its intelligent controller.12. A controller for an air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument systemcomprising: a control console having (i) a plurality of membrane typeswitches for selecting a desired cannula stroke length dimension (i.e.inches or centimeters) for measurement and display and for enabling anddisabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) a plurality of LEDindicators for indicating Power ON/OFF function selection, cannulastroke length dimension selection, and electro-cautery enable/disablefunction selection, (iii) a pair of LCD-based display panels fordisplaying graphical (i.e., bar graph) indications of inner cannulareciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) and inner cannula position measuredby the cannula position sensor mounted within the hand-supportableliposuction instrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel for displayingmeasured numerical values for the instantaneous rate of reciprocationfor the inner cannula and the instantaneous stroke length thereof; and acontroller housing mounting a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power-signal/control-signal) connector assembly, as wellas providing an input port for receiving RF power signals generated froman external RF signal source, and an input port for receiving a sourceof pressurized air to drive the powered liposuction instrument of thepresent invention.
 13. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem, wherein (i) analog voltage input signals are generated fromwithin the powered instrument and supplied as analog input voltagesignals to an intelligent instrument controller for detection, A/Dconversion and digital signal processing, (ii) digital voltage outputcontrol signals are generated within the intelligent instrumentcontroller and supplied as output voltage signals to the poweredinstrument and also the air-control valve assembly within the instrumentcontroller so as to generate the pair of pressurized air-supply streamsthat are supplied to the liposuction instrument via the multi-portconnector assembly, and (iii) an analog control voltage output signal isgenerated within the intelligent instrument controller and supplied tothe control input port of the external RF signal source (i.e. generator)to generate an RF power signal and to supply the same to the instrumentcontroller for controlled delivery to the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly of the powered instrument.
 14. A air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system comprising an instrument controllerhaving a digitally-controlled multi-port air-flow control valveassembly.
 15. The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system ofclaim 14, wherein the digitally-controlled multi-port air-flow controlvalve assembly comprises (i) a central air-flow control port forconnection to the external source of pressurized air, (ii) a leftair-flow control port for connection to the left side of the air-drivencylinder within the instrument, and (iii) a right air-flow control portfor connection to the right side of the air-driven cylinder within theinstrument.
 16. The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system ofclaim 14, wherein digital output control voltage signals are provided toelectrically-controlled solenoid-type air-flow control valves embodiedwithin the multi-port air-flow control valve assembly, so as toelectronically control the operation of the air-pressure driven innercannula reciprocation mechanism employed within the powered instrumentof the present invention.
 17. The air-powered tissue-aspirationinstrument system of claim 14, wherein the instrument controller employsa system control program that runs on a custom-designed digital signalprocessor.
 18. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument systemcomprising (i) a hand-supportable air-powered instrument having anelectro-cauterizing dual-cannula assembly and a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power/control-signal) connector assembly; and (ii) aninstrument controller designed to (i) receive a pressurized air flowfrom an pressurized air source and RF power signals from a RF powersignal generator, both external to said instrument controller, and to(ii) supply a pair of pressurized air streams and RF power signals tothe hand-supportable instrument during instrument operation.
 19. Theair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 18, wherein amulti-core connector assembly is provided comprising: (i) a firstmulti-port connector adapted for installation in the rear end portion ofthe powered instrument housing as well as through the wall of theintelligent instrument controller (as the case may be) and having a pairof pressurized air-flow ports and a multi-pin electrical port forsupporting the communication of RF power signals between the instrumentcontroller and liposuction instrument and the communication ofelectrical control signals between the instrument controller andinstrument; and (ii) a second multi-port connector plug mated to thefirst multi-port connector and adapted for connection to a multi-corecable structure including a pair of air-supply tubes, a pair of RF powersignal wires, and a set of electrical control signal wires, all of whichis encased within a flexible plastic casing.
 20. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 19, wherein the flexibleaspiration tubing connected to the inner cannula is routed out throughan exit port formed in the side surface of its hand-supportable housing.21. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system comprising: anair-powered instrument employing a curved dual cannula assembly, inwhich the curved hollow outer cannula is rigidly constructed while thehollow inner cannula is made from a flexible material.
 22. Theair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 21, wherein theinner cannula flexibly adapts to the rigid curved geometry of the outercannula structure during instrument operation.
 23. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 21, wherein said curvedualcannula assembly comprises a bipolar-type electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly.
 24. The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem of claim 23, wherein said bipolar-type electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly comprises an electrically conductive (e.g. metal) outercannula for releasably mounting within the hand-supportable housing of apowered instrument, and non-conductive inner cannula for slidablesupport with the outer cannula and reciprocation by the actuator. 25.The air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 23, whereinthe non-conductive inner cannula has a fine electrically conductive wiremolded within the walls thereof which terminate in an electricallyconductive ring about the aspiration aperture of the inner cannula, forconducting RF power signals from the base portion of the inner cannulato the electrically-conductive ring during powered tissue aspirationoperations.
 26. An air-powered liposuction instrument system comprising:an electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, wherein a stream ofirrigation fluid is automatically pumped from the base portion of theouter cannula to the distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluidconduit formed along the surface walls of the outer cannula, andreleased into the interior distal portion of the outer cannula through asmall opening formed therein, for infiltration and irrigation of tissueduring aspiration in order to facilitate pump action.
 27. A poweredliposuction instrument system, wherein the inner cannula is loadedthrough an inner cannula loading port provided at the rear of theinstrument housing, and thereafter snap-fitted into position withinrecess in the carriage portion of the air-powered actuator structureinstalled therein.
 28. The powered liposuction instrument system ofclaim 27, wherein during such loading inner cannula loading operations,the outer cannula is connected to the front portion of thehand-supportable housing, and the actuator structure retracted to therear portion of the hand-supportable housing, and then, the distalportion of the inner cannula is inserted first through the cannulaloading port, and then its base portion is snap-fitted within recess inthe actuator carriage.